The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to take charge of determining the movement of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for the upcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal. Previously, District Magistrates had this authority, but now ECI-nominated police observers will be responsible for deciding CAPF movements in each district.
During a review tour by ECI’s full bench, it was conveyed to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, that district-specific composite teams will be created to assess the need for CAPF deployment. The decisions made by the police officers regarding CAPF movements will be final.
The decision to transfer the authority to determine CAPF movement came after interactions with political parties, where concerns were raised about CAPF personnel being underutilized or deployed inappropriately in previous elections. The ECI has directed the West Bengal administration to complete route marches and area domination exercises by March 14.
CEC emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards poll-related violence, stating that strong actions will be taken against any offenders.
