The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will remain deployed in West Bengal following the assembly elections, which concluded on Wednesday. This decision aims to ensure security and maintain law and order in the state, which has a history of election-related violence. The ECI deployed a total of 2,550 CAPF companies for the elections, significantly higher than previous years. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the extensive security measures, claiming they are excessive. However, officials, including CRPF Director General GP Singh, confirmed that 500 companies will stay in the state, with a breakdown of personnel from various forces. The heightened security presence is attributed to at least 48 reported deaths during the recent elections, with both TMC and the opposition BJP accusing one another of instigating violence. Former election officials have stated that the ECI is justified in retaining forces to ensure safety until a thorough review is conducted.