Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Mar 23: Ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, additional central forces are being deployed across the state, with a total of 2,400 companies expected to be on duty, according to an insider at the Election Commission of India.

So far, 480 companies have already arrived earlier this month, and an additional 300 companies are slated to reach West Bengal by March 31. The remaining forces will be deployed in a phased manner.

The Election Commission has held multiple meetings to determine the deployment strategy for these forces. A virtual session led by Deputy Commissioner Manish Garg is scheduled, with State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal and other senior officials in attendance.

Following this, the Commission will convene with District Electoral Officers, who also serve as District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police to finalise election security arrangements.

Voting in West Bengal is scheduled in two phases: April 23 and April 29. The Election Commission has emphasised that the deployment of Central Forces extends beyond polling stations, granting them authority to intervene in incidents occurring in the vicinity of polling areas.

Additionally, credible reports of voter intimidation or threats outside polling stations may lead to re-elections. The Commission has made it clear that violations such as vote rigging, civil unrest, or forcible capture of polling booths will not be tolerated, underscoring its commitment to conducting free and fair elections.