ECI deploys central forces at housing complex polling booths in Bengal Phase 2
Synopsis
In a last-minute move ahead of West Bengal's Phase 2 polls, the ECI ordered central forces to guard the gates of high-rise housing complexes doubling as polling booths — and equipped them with public address systems to coax residents out to vote. With 2,407 companies on the ground across 142 constituencies, the Commission is leaving little to chance.
Key Takeaways
The ECI issued a last-minute order on Tuesday night to deploy central forces at entry-gates of housing complexes with polling booths for West Bengal Phase 2 .
The order was directed to CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal , DGP Siddh Nath Gupta , and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand .
Forces personnel at these gates have been equipped with public address systems to encourage voters to come out freely.
Affected complexes are mainly in Kolkata and districts of North 24 Parganas , South 24 Parganas , and Howrah .
A total of 2,407 companies of central forces are deployed across 142 constituencies in Phase 2.
Webcasting is active at all polling stations for real-time monitoring.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday ordered the last-minute deployment of central forces personnel at the entry-gates of high-rise buildings and housing complexes where temporary polling booths have been set up for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies. The move, directed to top police officials late on Tuesday night, is aimed at ensuring voters in these complexes can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The Late-Night Order and Who Received It
According to sources, the instructions were conveyed on Tuesday night to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, West Bengal Director General of Police Siddh Nath Gupta, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand. An insider from the CEO's office confirmed that Agarwal directed the deployment on an urgent and emergency basis, with no room for delay ahead of polling day.
Notably, the CEO also instructed that forces personnel stationed at these entry-gates be equipped with public address systems to continuously encourage residents to step out and vote freely — an unusual operational detail that underlines the Commission's concern about voter suppression within gated communities.
Where the Booths Are Located
The high-rise buildings and housing complexes with temporary polling booths are concentrated primarily in Kolkata and its three adjacent districts — North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Howrah. The six districts going to polls in Phase 2 are North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, and East Burdwan.
Unprecedented Security Cover
The second phase is being conducted under what officials describe as unprecedented security arrangements. A total of 2,407 companies of central forces have been deployed, comprising Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the India Reserve Battalion, and armed police personnel drawn from other states — in addition to West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police personnel. Webcasting has been activated at all polling stations to enable real-time monitoring.
ECI's Message to Voters
The CEO's office has communicated directly to voters that the ECI is determined to ensure free, fair, and violence-free elections and stands ready to provide any assistance required. This comes amid longstanding concerns about poll-related intimidation in West Bengal, which has seen violence during multiple election cycles. This is the second consecutive phase in which the Commission has escalated its security posture in response to ground-level concerns.
What Happens Next
With Phase 2 voting underway across 142 constituencies, the ECI's intervention at housing complexes signals a sharper focus on urban voter access — a segment that has historically reported lower turnout amid concerns about safety. The Commission's willingness to issue emergency orders on the eve of polling day suggests it is closely monitoring real-time ground reports and is prepared to act swiftly if further concerns arise.
Point of View
But the specificity of the instruction: forces must actively encourage residents to vote, suggesting passive presence was not deemed sufficient. West Bengal has a long and troubled electoral history, and the Commission's willingness to issue emergency directives on the eve of polling day reflects both heightened vigilance and, implicitly, a lack of full confidence in local law enforcement to act without central oversight. Whether 2,407 companies and webcasting at every booth translate into genuinely free polling — or merely a better-documented version of the same pressures — will be the real measure of this intervention.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ECI deploy central forces at housing complex polling booths in West Bengal?
The ECI ordered the deployment to ensure voters living in high-rise buildings and gated housing complexes — where temporary polling booths have been set up — can vote freely and without fear. The instruction was issued on an urgent and emergency basis on Tuesday night, ahead of Phase 2 polling on Wednesday.
Who received the ECI's last-minute deployment order?
The order was communicated to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta, and Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand on Tuesday night.
How many central forces companies are deployed for West Bengal Phase 2?
A total of 2,407 companies of central forces have been deployed, including Central Armed Police Forces, the India Reserve Battalion, and armed police from other states, alongside West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.
Which districts are covered under West Bengal Assembly Election Phase 2?
Phase 2 covers 142 constituencies across six districts: North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, and East Burdwan, with Kolkata also included.
What additional steps has the ECI taken to ensure free and fair polling?
Besides deploying central forces at housing complex gates, the ECI has activated webcasting at all polling stations and instructed forces to use public address systems to encourage residents to vote without fear.
