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West Bengal CEO's Security Upgraded Amid Protests and Political Tensions

The Union Home Ministry has approved the Election Commission's recommendation to upgrade West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal's security to the Y-category, entitling him to protection by Central Armed Police Forces personnel. Simultaneously, CAPF personnel will be deployed at the CEO's office in central Kolkata following ongoing protests by booth-level officers. The security upgrade comes amid sustained criticism and allegations against Agarwal from the ruling Trinamool Congress, including from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The CEO's office stated the enhanced security was necessary due to inadequate police action against the persistent demonstrations targeting the electoral official.

Key Points: West Bengal CEO Gets Y-Category Security, CAPF Deployed at Office

  • Security upgraded to Y-category
  • CAPF deployed at CEO office
  • Response to ongoing protests
  • Follows ECI recommendations
2 min read

West Bengal CEO's security upgraded, CAPF deployment at office

The Union Home Ministry upgrades West Bengal CEO's security to Y-category and deploys CAPF at his office following ECI recommendations amid protests.

"The upgraded security of the CEO was necessary and inevitable. - CEO Office Insider"

Kolkata, Dec 27

The Union Home Ministry, following the recommendations of the Election Commission of India, has decided to upgrade the security grade for West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal.

A CEO office source said that Agarwal's security had been upgraded to the "Y" category, which will entitle him to security cover by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel.

At the same time, CAPF personnel will also be deployed at the CEO's office in central Kolkata.

The ECI had also recommended to the Union Home Ministry for CAPF deployment at the CEO's office, besides upgrading the personal security of the CEO.

The Union Home Ministry on Saturday gave the green signal for both recommendations of the Commission.

Y-category security is a significant level of personal protection, typically involving around eight security personnel, including a couple of armed commandos, assigned based on a threat assessment by central agencies, with state police executing the actual security, offering substantial cover with fewer personnel than Z/Z+ categories but more than the X category.

"The upgraded security of the CEO was necessary amid continuing protests by a section of the booth-level officers in front of the CEO's office in central Kolkata, with the rage of the protesters being mainly against the CEO. Despite repeated cautions issued by the Commission, there had not been enough initiative by the Kolkata Police authorities to check this menace. So in such a situation, the upgraded security of the CEO was necessary and inevitable," the CEO's office insider said.

Incidentally, Agarwal had been under lashing attacks from the ruling Trinamool Congress since the time he had taken over the post. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also launched scathing attacks against Agarwal at her public meetings, though without directly naming him, and even accused him of involvement in corrupt practices in the past.

Soon after the Chief Minister's allegations, an association of booth-level officers, affiliated to the Trinamool, started regular protests and demonstrations in front of the CEO's office.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Why is there so much protest against one officer? The article says the CM herself has made allegations. This creates a very hostile environment. The EC must be allowed to function independently without political pressure. 🗳️
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Aman W
While security is important, this also feels like an escalation. Deploying CAPF at the office sends a strong message. Hope the situation calms down and the election process isn't disrupted. We need stability in Bengal.
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Sarah B
Reading this from outside India. It's fascinating yet troubling. The need for central forces to protect an election official from protests by a party's members... speaks volumes about the political climate there.
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Karthik V
The "insider" quote is very damning against the Kolkata Police. If state machinery is failing to act against protesters threatening an EC official, then the Centre's intervention is not just justified, it's necessary. The EC's authority must be upheld.
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Nidhi U
As a respectful criticism, I hope this security upgrade is based purely on a genuine threat assessment and not used as a political tool to undermine the state government. Both sides need to ensure institutions remain neutral and strong.
V
Varun X
Y-category security is no joke. Eight personnel

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