EC to keep 700 central force companies in Bengal after polls

KOLKATA: The Election Commission has planned to retain 700 companies of central forces in Bengal after April 29 polls, with 500 companies earmarked exclusively for law and order duties, officials said.

The EC also plans to deploy another 1,920 companies by mid-April, taking the total to 2,400 companies for the polls.

The 500 companies to remain for law and order comprise 200 companies of CRPF, 150 of BSF, 50 of CISF, 50 of ITBP, and 50 of SSB, indicating anticipation of post-poll violence, retaliatory clashes, intimidation, or other disturbances. Another 200 companies will remain for EVM, strong room, and counting center security until counting ends.




"The 500 companies are expected to stay for a fortnight, but their stay can be extended if needed," said Bengal chief electoral officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal. The CEO said central forces would use various gadgets for vigil. During polls, 2 lakh webcams will be used, and central forces will use body cameras and 360-degree rotating cameras. "Robot dogs will send images to control rooms. Drones will watch troublemakers," he said.

The post-poll arrangement indicates the Centre expects serious risk of post-poll unrest, an official said.

EC officials are cautious about post-poll violence as over 1,300 cases occurred in 2021, with 90% between May 2 and 5, before the govt took charge. CM Mamata Banerjee's swearing-in for a third term was on May 5, 2021, until then, EC was in charge of law and order.

Following complaints, Calcutta High Court set up a SIT to probe post-poll violence, monitored by former chief justice Manjula Chellur. EC officials are identifying violence-prone areas and planning force deployment in trouble zones.

An official said 480 companies of central forces are already in Bengal. By March 31, another 300 companies will be inducted, including 125 of CRPF and 100 from BSF. Another 600 companies will arrive by April 10. An additional 300 companies will come from state armed police (SAP) of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and UP—each providing 40 SAP companies.

"For assembly polls, a very high-security model with pre-poll domination, phased reinforcement, and substantial post-poll retention is being planned, with deployment based on field requirements," the official said.