West Bengal Assembly Elections: 2,400 Security Companies Set for Deployment
Synopsis
Get ready for the West Bengal Assembly elections! A record deployment of 2,400 security companies will ensure a secure voting process across two phases. Key arrangements and strategies are in place to maintain law and order during this critical political event.
Key Takeaways
2,400 security companies will be deployed for the Assembly elections in West Bengal.
The first phase of voting is on April 23 , followed by the second phase on April 29 .
200 companies will ensure the security of EVMs post-voting.
Coordination will be handled by the CRPF .
Kolkata, March 20 (NationPress) In a significant move, West Bengal is set to witness the deployment of a remarkable 2,400 companies comprising members from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), India Reserve Battalion (IRB), and armed police from various states during the upcoming Assembly elections.
The initial voting phase is slated for April 23, with the second phase following on April 29, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday evening.
Additionally, the ECI revealed that the first supplementary list of cases categorized under “logical discrepancy” for judicial review will now be released on March 23, a change from the original date of March 20.
Currently, 480 CAPF companies have already been stationed in West Bengal as part of an advance deployment strategy.
Post the second phase voting on April 29, 200 companies from CAPF will remain in place to ensure the safety of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), strongrooms, and counting centers until the completion of the counting process.
Furthermore, an additional 500 companies from CAPF will stay back for law and order responsibilities and to avert any potential post-poll violence, an issue that was prevalent after the last Assembly elections in 2021 and the Lok Sabha polls in 2024.
The other 1,700 companies made up of CAPF, IRB, and state armed police will be de-inducted once the polling wraps up on April 29.
The ECI has instructed the West Bengal government to collaborate with CAPFs, IRBs, state armed police, and the Chief Force Coordinator to devise a comprehensive deployment strategy.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will oversee the movement and deployment of the CAPFs.
Inspector General Shalabh Mathur from CRPF's West Bengal Sector has been assigned as the “State Force Coordinator” for these elections.
The announcement further specified that the state government must coordinate necessary arrangements regarding transportation, logistics, accommodation, and other requirements for the deployment of CAPFs, SAPs, and IRBs within the state.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the proactive measures being taken for the upcoming elections in West Bengal. The deployment of 2,400 security companies underscores the authorities' commitment to maintaining peace and order during this crucial democratic exercise. Such preparations are vital for fostering a secure environment for voters.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of security companies deployed for the West Bengal Assembly elections?
A total of 2,400 companies, including personnel from CAPF, IRB, and state armed police, will be deployed.
When are the two phases of voting scheduled?
The first phase of voting is scheduled for April 23, and the second phase will be on April 29.
What measures are being taken to ensure the security of EVMs?
After the second phase of voting, 200 companies of CAPF will remain to secure EVMs, strong rooms, and counting centers.
Who is coordinating the deployment of security forces?
The movement and deployment will be coordinated by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
What happens to the security companies after the elections?
1,700 companies will be de-inducted after polling concludes, while 500 will stay for law and order duties.
