Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Feb 21: In a significant pre-election move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the early deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal, even before announcing the polling dates or enforcing the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Assembly elections.

As per the Commission’s notification, the deployment will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will begin on March 1 — notably prior to the formal declaration of election dates. The second phase is scheduled for March 10, by which time the poll schedule is expected to be declared and the Model Code of Conduct likely in effect. Sources indicate that the election dates may be announced soon after the Holi festival.

A total of 480 CAPF companies will be deployed across the two phases, with 240 companies assigned to each round.

Phase One: March 1 Deployment (240 Companies)

• 110 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• 55 companies of the Border Security Force (BSF)
• 21 companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• 27 companies of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• 27 companies of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Phase Two: March 10 Deployment (240 Companies)

• 120 companies of CRPF
• 65 companies of BSF
• 16 companies of CISF
• 20 companies of ITBP
• 19 companies of SSB

The Commission stated that details regarding the eventual withdrawal (de-induction) of these forces will be communicated at a later stage.

Additionally, the ECI has instructed the West Bengal government to prepare a comprehensive deployment blueprint in coordination with the CAPFs and their respective chief force coordinators. The overall movement and operational coordination of the forces will be overseen by the CRPF, the Commission clarified.