EC to deploy 2,400 central force companies for peaceful Bengal polls
The Statesman | 24 March 2026
In a significant development, the Election Commission of India has decided to deploy as many as 2,400 companies of central armed police forces across the state in the upcoming assembly election to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling.
The move is being seen as one of the most extensive security arrangements in the state’s electoral history, aimed at preventing violence during and after the two-phase polls scheduled on April 23 and April 29.
According to sources in the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office, the deployment has already begun, with 480 companies of central forces having reached the state earlier this month.
The remaining 1,920 companies will be sent in a phased manner over the coming weeks to bolster security across sensitive and non-sensitive areas alike.
As per the deployment schedule, the next batch of 300 companies is expected to arrive by March 31.
This will be followed by further inductions on April 7, 10, 13, and 17.
Sources indicated that 300 companies each will arrive on April 7 and April 10, followed by 277 companies on April 13 and a substantial 743 companies on April 17, completing the total deployment before polling begins.
Sources in the CEO office also said that around 500 companies of central forces will remain stationed in the state even after the elections are over.
As the state has a history of post-poll violence, this step is aimed at preventing any kind of violence after the election results are declared.
The Election Commission has also introduced several unprecedented measures to tighten security.
Central forces will not be restricted to polling booths alone but will have the authority to intervene anywhere within the booth area in case of disturbances.
Officials said that complaints of voter intimidation or threats outside polling stations could even lead to repolling in affected booths.
The Commission has made it clear that electoral malpractices such as booth capturing, rigging, and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, security agencies have identified sensitive pockets and so-called “trouble-monger” zones across the state.
In Kolkata, around 30 companies have already arrived, and route marches have begun in various parts of the city to instill confidence among voters.
Police have prepared detailed route maps, focusing particularly on vulnerable areas.
Similar route marches and security drills are expected to be conducted across other districts in the coming days as authorities step up efforts to ensure a smooth and violence-free electoral process.