KOLKATA: The Election Commission of India has planned the deployment of nearly 2.4 lakh personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces in West Bengal for the upcoming Assembly elections, marking the largest ever security deployment in a single state during an electoral process.
Officials said the extensive deployment reflects heightened security concerns and the Commission’s determination to ensure free, fair and violence free polling across the state. Polling is scheduled to conclude on April 29, 2026, after which a comprehensive security plan will remain in place to safeguard the electoral process.
Under the plan, around 200 companies of central forces will remain stationed across the state to guard Electronic Voting Machines, strong rooms and counting centres until the completion of vote counting. Additionally, about 500 companies will continue to handle law and order duties until further instructions are issued.
The security decision follows a recent incident in Malda district where judicial officers were reportedly surrounded by a group of people, raising serious concerns over safety arrangements. The matter drew the attention of the Supreme Court of India, which directed authorities to ensure adequate protection for judicial officers. The case has since been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for investigation.
After announcing the election schedule, the Election Commission also initiated several administrative changes in the state. Senior officials including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner and the Additional Director General responsible for law and order were removed as part of efforts to maintain neutrality during the elections.
Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, said the measures were intended to ensure inducement free and peaceful polling. He noted that transfers and administrative changes are standard steps taken by the Commission to preserve fairness in the electoral process.
The scale of deployment is significantly higher than previous elections. During the 2024 Indian general election, around 92,000 CAPF personnel were deployed in West Bengal, while the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election saw the deployment of approximately 725 companies of central forces.
The current plan highlights the Commission’s focus on preventing poll related violence and maintaining strict security coverage across sensitive constituencies in the state.
