West Bengal is set for an unprecedented security cover as the Election Commission deploys more than 2,400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces for the first phase of Assembly elections on April 23, covering 152 constituencies.
The move comes in line with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s earlier “zero-tolerance” stance on electoral malpractice, signalling a strong push to ensure peaceful and fair voting across sensitive regions.
Murshidabad has emerged as the biggest focus area in the Commission’s security blueprint. A combined 316 CAPF companies will be deployed across Jangipur Police District and Murshidabad Police District, the highest allocation in the state.
The heavy deployment points to the district’s sensitivity and the Commission’s intent to prevent any disruption during polling.
DISTRICT-WISE DEPLOYMENT PLAN
The Election Commission has mapped out a detailed distribution to plug any potential security gaps:
- East Midnapore – 273 companies
- West Midnapore – 271 companies
- Bankura – 193 companies
- Birbhum – 176 companies
- Malda – 172 companies
- Purulia – 151 companies
- Cooch Behar – 146 companies
- Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate – 125 companies
- Jalpaiguri – 92 companies
- South Dinajpur – 83 companies
- Alipurduar – 77 companies
- Jhargram – 74 companies
- Raiganj Police District – 71 companies
- Darjeeling – 61 companies
- Islampur Police District – 61 companies
- Siliguri Police Commissionerate – 44 companies
- Kalimpong – 21 companies
WIDE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD IN PHASE 1
The first phase spans the entire North Bengal region, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, along with Dinajpur districts.
Key South Bengal districts such as West Burdwan, Jhargram and the Midnapore belt are also part of this round, making it one of the most geographically diverse phases of the election.
By deploying a large number of central forces, the Commission is aiming to build a tight security net in areas with a history of electoral tension.
With preparations in full swing, attention now turns to April 23, when the first phase of voting will test the effectiveness of this extensive security arrangement.
– Ends
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