West Bengal Assembly elections: Union Home Ministry deploys 150 more CAPF companies

The Union Home Ministry has ordered 150 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces and state armed police for West Bengal Assembly elections, raising the total deployment to about 2,550 companies. The Election Commission of India said the move will strengthen election security in sensitive constituencies and support peaceful, free and fair polling.

The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday directed West Bengal to bring in 150 more security companies for the Assembly elections. An official communication said the step is meant to support free and fair polling. Sources said the overall deployment has risen to about 2,550 companies, from nearly 2,400 earlier.

The fresh order covers both central and state forces, and sets a new deadline. The communication said the incoming teams must be inducted by April 18. The ministry sent the directive to the chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police for immediate compliance.

West Bengal Assembly elections security deployment by Central Armed Police Forces

The latest batch includes 95 companies of CAPFs. The communication listed the CRPF, BSF, CISF and SSB in this group. It also added 55 companies from state armed police forces. These battalions are being drawn from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Sources traced the rise in numbers to earlier phases of deployment. Initially, 480 companies were sent. Later, authorities announced another 1,920 companies on March 19. That earlier plan carried instructions to finish deployment by April 17.

West Bengal Assembly elections security deployment plan for sensitive constituencies

A senior Election Commission official said the added forces are meant for areas seen as sensitive. "The Commission has assessed the ground situation and decided to augment the presence of central forces to ensure a level playing field. Adequate deployment is critical for conducting peaceful, free and fair elections,\" the official toldon condition of anonymity.

The official said the central forces would be used for several tasks across constituencies. \"We are working closely with state authorities to ensure optimal deployment and quick response capability,\" the official said. The official added that the teams would handle area domination, route marches and polling day duties.

According to the official, planning is underway to receive the additional companies in the state. Coordination between state police and central agencies is also being stepped up. The elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held on April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.

With inputs from PTI