Record 2.4 Lakh CAPF Personnel Deployed In Bengal Ahead Of Assembly Polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to deploy nearly 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel in West Bengal, marking the highest-ever deployment in a single state during elections. The move reflects heightened security concerns and the Commission's focus on ensuring free, fair, and violence-free polling.

According to officials, the Commission has also put in place a detailed post-poll security plan. After the completion of polling on April 29, 2026, around 200 CAPF companies will remain stationed in the state to guard Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), strong rooms, and counting centres until the counting process is completed. In addition, 500 CAPF companies will continue to be deployed for law and order duties until further orders.

The decision comes in the backdrop of a recent incident in Malda district, where judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed, raising serious concerns over security arrangements. The Supreme Court took strong note of the incident and directed authorities to ensure adequate protection for judicial officers. Following this, the Election Commission handed over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation.

In a series of major administrative actions after announcing the West Bengal election schedule, the Commission removed several senior officials in the state, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner, and the Additional Director General (Law and Order).

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the steps were aimed at ensuring inducement-free and peaceful elections. He added that transfers and appointments of senior officials are part of the Commission's effort to maintain neutrality in the electoral process.

West Bengal Sees Higher Deployment Of CAPF

During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal, which went to polls in seven phases, received the largest share of forces under the nationwide deployment plan. Out of approximately 3.4 lakh CAPF personnel, around 920 CAPF companies (nearly 92,000 personnel) were stationed in the state, significantly higher than previous elections.

During the 2021 Assembly elections, around 725 CAPF companies were deployed across eight phases in West Bengal. The increase this time indicates a higher level of vigilance, given the state's history of poll-related violence.

The scale of deployment also draws comparison with other sensitive regions. In Jammu and Kashmir, nearly 900 CAPF companies were deployed during the 2024 Assembly elections held after a decade. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, about 635 CAPF companies were stationed in the Union Territory, underlining continued security challenges.

Nationwide, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw the deployment of approximately 3.4 lakh CAPF personnel, making the current West Bengal plan notable for its concentrated scale in a single state.

During the Lok Sabha elections, other states also saw significant deployment of central forces, including Chhattisgarh (360 companies), Bihar (295), Uttar Pradesh (252), and around 250 companies each in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Punjab.

Officials said the phased deployment allows forces to be moved dynamically based on polling schedules and real-time assessments, ensuring maximum coverage in sensitive constituencies.

Earlier on the CAPF deployment, TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged misuse of central forces. In a social media post, she said, "The blatant misuse of central forces continues unabated. Despite us repeatedly raising this issue, the EC continues to be a mute spectator while men in uniform are being misused at several places to openly intimidate TMC voters and influence many to vote in favour of one party."