Massive Security Cover Across Phase 2 West Bengal Elections

West Bengal Elections (Photo source: Scroll.in)

KOLKATA – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out an extensive security plan across 142 constituencies as the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, to be held on April 29 approaches, to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.

After reports of sporadic violence in some districts during the run-up to polling, the election officials at a high-level review meeting on Sunday have finalized a strict security arrangement. According to their plan, 2,321 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed across the state for Phase 2. This is one of the largest forces of deployments seen in recent Bengal elections. On top of this, about more than 38,000 state police personnel will be on duty, especially in urban centres and traditionally sensitive areas of South Bengal.

Kolkata Gets Highest Force Deployment

Kolkata will see the heaviest security presence, with 273 companies of central forces assigned across the city’s election districts. East Burdwan and Hooghly Rural are the other districts with major deployments and will receive 260 companies and 234 companies respectively.

A crackdown on the movement of illegal arms and explosive materials has also been ordered by the Commission especially after the recent seizure of 79 crude bombs in Bhangar by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and 160 motorcycle patrol units, each carrying two CAPF personnel will remain active across all 142 seats to respond quickly to any disturbance. These teams will be mostly focused to control the congested urban areas and narrow lanes where larger vehicles may face difficulty.

Full Surveillance at Polling Booths

Alongside physical deployment, the Election Commission has introduced a strong digital monitoring system. Webcasting will be conducted at 100% of polling stations, with live footage being monitored directly from the Chief Electoral Officer’s control room. For administrative oversight, the Commission has appointed 142 general observers, 95 police observers, and 100 expenditure observers to monitor the conduct of polls and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said no unauthorized person will be allowed within 100 metres of any polling station. With 6.82 crore voters eligible to vote in this phase, authorities say every effort is being made to ensure people can cast their votes freely and without fear.