Central Forces Deployed for West Bengal Assembly Elections

Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces

The Election Commission of India is set to deploy 2,407 units of Central Armed Police Forces for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on April 23. A senior official revealed on Wednesday that the majority of these forces are expected to be stationed in Murshidabad district.

The elections for the 294 seats in the West Bengal Assembly will take place in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

According to the official, Murshidabad will see the highest deployment with 316 units, comprising 240 units in the Murshidabad police district and 76 in Jangipur. The district has witnessed several violent incidents in recent years, including clashes related to protests over the Waqf Act and unrest during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) movement.

The official stated, 'A total of 2,407 units of central forces are being deployed for the first phase to ensure that voters can cast their votes without fear.'

Strategic Deployment in Key Areas

In East Medinipur, the second highest deployment will consist of 273 units, particularly due to the politically significant Nandigram seat, where the opposition leader Shuvendu Adhikari is contesting.

The commission has divided North Dinajpur into two police districts, with 61 units stationed in Islampur and 71 in Raiganj.

Other notable deployments include 125 units in the Asansol-Durgapur police commissionerate and 44 units in the Siliguri police commissionerate. Additionally, 61 units will be deployed in Darjeeling, 21 in Kalimpong, 92 in Jalpaiguri, and 77 in Alipurduar.

Voting in the first phase will occur in eight districts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda.

Ensuring Peaceful Elections

Moreover, voting will also take place in Murshidabad and the western districts of Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura. Elections will also be held in East and West Medinipur, West Bardhaman, and Birbhum during this phase.

Central forces have already been deployed in various regions of the state, and 'route marches' are being conducted to instill confidence among voters.

The official emphasized, 'We are committed to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections. Adequate security arrangements have been made across all constituencies.'