By With security concerns rising ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing for an unprecedented deployment of central forces to ensure peaceful voting across the state. Around 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel are expected to be stationed in West Bengal, marking the largest-ever security deployment for elections in a single state.
The move reflects the Commission’s strong focus on preventing violence and maintaining law and order, particularly in sensitive districts with a history of poll-related unrest. Officials say the extensive deployment is aimed at reassuring voters, protecting polling staff, and ensuring that the electoral process remains free and fair throughout both phases of voting.
According to Election Commission officials, the security plan goes beyond polling day arrangements. Nearly 500 companies of central forces will remain in West Bengal even after the results are declared on May 4, primarily to prevent any post-poll violence. The decision comes in the backdrop of incidents reported after previous elections, where clashes and unrest were seen in several areas following the announcement of results.
In addition, around 200 companies of CAPF personnel will be deployed specifically for the protection of electronic voting machines (EVMs), strong rooms, and counting centres. These units will remain in place until the entire counting process is completed, ensuring the security of electoral materials and preventing any attempts to tamper with them.
The Commission has also been coordinating closely with state authorities to identify sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths where additional security will be required. Area domination exercises, flag marches, and regular monitoring are expected to be carried out in vulnerable regions to build public confidence and deter any attempts at intimidation or violence.
West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The record deployment of central forces highlights the Election Commission’s cautious approach and determination to conduct smooth and peaceful elections in one of the country’s most politically charged states.
