The Election Commission of India has decided that around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to be deployed across West Bengal even after the completion of polling. The move comes as part of efforts to maintain peace and prevent any post-poll disturbances.
An official said the continued presence of central forces is aimed at ensuring stability in sensitive areas. âThe forces will be stationed in sensitive areas and will assist the state administration in maintaining normalcy,â the official was quoted as saying.
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Security focus shifts to post-poll phase
The decision follows the conclusion of the second phase of Assembly elections, where voting ended at 6 pm. Voter turnout reached around 90 per cent before the close of polling, reflecting strong participation across constituencies.
The extended deployment is intended to prevent any untoward incidents during the period between polling and counting, which is often considered sensitive in high-stakes elections.
Large-scale deployment during voting
Earlier, Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta had said that around 2,400 CAPF companies were deployed across the state during the second phase.
Security arrangements included the use of body cameras by some contingents, while strong rooms storing voting machines were guarded by CAPF personnel under defined protocols. CCTV cameras were also installed at entry points, with access to footage provided to candidates and their agents.
Key phase in closely watched contest
The second phase covered regions in South Bengal and Kolkata, areas seen as important for the All India Trinamool Congress. The contest in the state remains primarily between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when results for West Bengal, along with Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, will be announced.
