Central Government Allocates Security Forces Ahead of Tamil Nadu Elections

Security Measures for Upcoming Elections

The Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated an initial 50 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to Tamil Nadu as a precautionary security measure ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. According to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state, Archana Patnaik, these forces are set to be deployed on March 10, 2026.

Official Announcement

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chief Electoral Officer indicated that the decision to deploy the 50 CAPF companies was made to maintain regional dominance and voter confidence in relation to the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Elections are expected to take place in April 2026 for all 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, as well as for the neighboring Union Territory of Puducherry.

Importance of Early Deployment

Typically, security forces are deployed once elections are announced. However, given the security challenges and political sensitivities in a large state like Tamil Nadu, a pre-deployment strategy has been adopted.

Identifying Sensitive Polling Stations: The forces will collaborate with local police to monitor polling booths that are deemed more susceptible to violence.

Flag March: Following their deployment, flag marches will be conducted across various districts.

Monitoring Puducherry: A security plan is also being developed for the seats in Puducherry alongside those in Tamil Nadu.