The Election Commission of India has put in place an extensive security arrangement for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled on April 23, deploying thousands of personnel to ensure peaceful and fair polling across sensitive regions of the state.
According to official details, as many as 2,407 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed along with more than 2.4 lakh security personnel for the first phase of voting. This large-scale deployment aims to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during polling.
In this phase, voting will take place in 152 Assembly constituencies out of the total 294 seats in West Bengal, covering more than half of the state. The constituencies going to polls include a mix of rural, semi-urban, and sensitive areas where the Election Commission has identified the need for heightened security arrangements.
Officials stated that the deployment includes personnel from various central forces along with state police units working in coordination to monitor polling stations, manage crowd control, and ensure smooth movement of voters. Special attention has been given to areas previously marked as sensitive or prone to political tension.
The Election Commission has also instructed authorities to ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and to take immediate action in case of any violation. Surveillance teams, flying squads, and static monitoring units have been activated across the poll-bound districts to keep a close watch on activities during the election process.
Security forces have already begun flag marches in several constituencies as part of confidence-building measures among voters. These marches are intended to reassure the public and encourage higher voter turnout without fear or intimidation.
Officials have emphasized that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections. The deployment of such a large number of CAPF personnel is part of the Commission’s strategy to strengthen electoral integrity and prevent any disruption during voting.
With the first phase just days away, administrative preparations are in their final stages. Voting materials, electronic voting machines (EVMs), and polling staff are being dispatched to designated booths under tight security.
The Election Commission has urged voters to participate in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights responsibly. The coming days are expected to see heightened political activity as parties make final efforts to mobilize support ahead of the crucial first phase of polling in West Bengal.
