Marking the highest deployment in a single state during elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to deploy nearly 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel in West Bengal. The move underscores heightened security concerns and the Commission's emphasis on conducting free, fair and violence-free polling, NDTV stated in its report.
Officials said a detailed post-poll security plan has also been prepared. After polling concludes on April 29, 2026, around 200 CAPF companies will remain stationed to guard Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), strong rooms and counting centres. Additionally, 500 CAPF companies will continue to handle law and order duties until further instructions.
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Security focus after Malda incident
The decision follows a recent incident in Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed, raising concerns over security arrangements. The Supreme Court took note of the matter and directed authorities to ensure protection for judicial officers. Following this, the Election Commission handed the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation.
After announcing the West Bengal election schedule, the Commission also carried out major administrative changes. Several senior officials were removed, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Additional Director General (Law and Order).
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the steps were aimed at ensuring inducement-free and peaceful elections, adding that transfers and appointments of senior officials help maintain neutrality during the electoral process.
Higher deployment than previous elections
West Bengal had received a large share of central forces during earlier polls as well. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which were held in seven phases, around 920 CAPF companies, nearly 92,000 personnel, were stationed in the state.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, about 725 CAPF companies were deployed across eight phases. The proposed deployment this time signals a higher level of vigilance, considering the state's history of poll-related violence.
The scale also draws comparison with other sensitive regions. Nearly 900 CAPF companies were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir during the 2024 Assembly elections, while about 635 companies were stationed there during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Nationwide, approximately 3.4 lakh CAPF personnel were deployed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Political reactions to deployment
The phased deployment strategy allows forces to be moved dynamically based on polling schedules and assessments of sensitive constituencies, officials said.
Earlier, TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged misuse of Central forces. In a social media post, she said, "The blatant misuse of central forces continues unabated. Despite us repeatedly raising this issue, the EC continues to be a mute spectator while men in uniform are being misused at several places to openly intimidate TMC voters and influence many to vote in favour of one party."
