Central Forces to Bolster West Bengal Security for Lok Sabha Polls

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal is set to receive around 150 companies of central forces, with phased deployment across the state. These forces will ensure security and conduct route marches to maintain law and order during the polls.

In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, approximately 150 companies of central forces are expected to arrive in West Bengal during the first week of March. These security personnel will be deployed in a two-phase process across the state by March 7, according to a senior official of the Election Commission.

Phased Deployment of Central Forces

In the initial phase, 100 companies of central forces will reach the state by March 1, followed by an additional 50 companies by March 7. The official stated that further reinforcements will arrive after the official announcement of the poll dates.

Distribution of Forces Across Districts

The central forces will be strategically deployed in various districts of West Bengal. Darjeeling will receive three companies in the first phase and two more in the second phase. Siliguri and Kalimpong will each receive two companies, while Cooch Behar will have five companies. Four companies each will be deployed in Jalpaiguri, Raiganj Police District, Dakshin Dinajpur, Bankura, Purulia, and Birbhum districts. Alipurduar and Islampur Police District will each have three companies.

Focus on Sensitive Districts

Considering the incidents of violence during the recent panchayat elections, the Election Commission has decided to allocate seven companies of central forces to Malda and eight companies to Murshidabad. Nadia district will receive eight companies, while Howrah and Hooghly will each have nine companies. Kolkata will be provided with ten companies.

North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas

The entire North 24 Parganas district will receive a significant deployment of 21 companies of central forces. However, only three companies will be pre-deployed in the Basirhat Police District. Currently, nine companies of forces are being deployed in South 24 Parganas, including the volatile Sandeshkhali area, which falls under the Basirhat Police District.

The deployment of central forces in West Bengal aims to ensure peaceful and secure Lok Sabha elections. The strategic distribution of forces across districts, with a focus on sensitive areas, demonstrates the Election Commission's commitment to conducting free and fair elections.