Bengal polls: 2,407 companies of central forces will be deployed in April 23 phase 1

Around 2,407 companies of central forces, comprising over 1.92 lakh personnel, will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of voting and safeguard the electoral process.

The poll panel has introduced a significant operational change by placing central forces directly in charge of polling booths.

Earlier, presiding officers, who are state officials, controlled booths, and central personnel could intervene only upon request.

Under the revised framework, central forces will independently secure polling stations, including protecting polling staff and electronic voting machines.

Photo: X/@CrpfWest

Central forces will arrive at polling locations before election officials to assess the surrounding areas.

Once polling teams reach the booths after randomisation, authorities will upload photographs of both officials and deployed personnel onto the ECI NET platform.

This measure aims to ensure traceability and accountability by mapping personnel deployment across polling stations.

Officials stated that central forces will handle incidents such as booth capturing, voter intimidation and disruptions at polling centres.

Special surveillance and quick-response teams will also operate to address complaints, including those related to internet disruption and disturbances within a 100-metre radius of polling booths.

The number of personnel assigned to each booth will depend on its sensitivity classification, which will be finalised ahead of polling phases.

Highest deployment in Murshidabad

For the first phase of polling scheduled on April 23, Murshidabad has been identified as the most sensitive district.

It will receive the highest deployment, with 316 companies, accounting for around 13 percent of the total forces assigned for the phase.

The district is divided into Murshidabad Police District and Jangipur Police District, with a larger share of forces allocated to the former due to its size and number of sensitive areas.

Other districts will also witness a significant security presence.

East Midnapore will have 273 companies, followed by West Midnapore with 271 companies, while Kalimpong will have the lowest deployment at 21 companies.

Photo: X/@CrpfWest

In urban areas, 44 companies will operate under the Siliguri Metropolitan Police in Darjeeling district, while 125 companies will be deployed in the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate in West Burdwan.

In addition to central forces, personnel from the India Reserve Battalion and armed police units from other states will be deployed alongside the West Bengal Police.

The arrangement aims to ensure comprehensive security coverage during the two-phase election process.

Officials have stated that adequate force availability will be maintained to conduct free and fair elections across the state.