Additional central forces are being sent to West Bengal in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Election Commission insider revealed that a total of 2,400 companies of central forces will be stationed in Bengal for the elections. Notably, 480 of these companies were already deployed in the state at the beginning of this month.
Reports suggest that another 300 companies of central forces will arrive in West Bengal by March 31, with the remaining forces expected to follow in a phased manner. The Election Commission has conducted meetings to strategize the deployment of this substantial force.
Another meeting, led by Deputy Commissioner Manish Garg and attended by officials including State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, is scheduled to discuss the deployment further. Additionally, a meeting with District Electoral Officers and Superintendents of Police will focus on election security preparations for the Assembly elections.
Voting in Bengal is scheduled for April 23 and April 29 in two phases. The Election Commission has expanded the role of Central Forces beyond polling stations to intervene in case of any disturbances near the polling areas. The Commission has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards vote rigging, civil unrest, or any attempts to capture polling booths forcefully.
