Election Commission Enhances Security for West Bengal Polls with Additional Forces

Original: ECI to deploy 3,000 more armed personnel for Bengal polls

The Hindu•Apr 6, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

To ensure peaceful elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will deploy an additional 3,000 armed police personnel, primarily from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the April 23 elections. This move supplements the existing deployment of 2,400 companies of central forces.

Key Points

01ECI to deploy 3,000 armed police personnel from other states.
02Deployment aims to ensure peaceful polling in West Bengal.
03Additional forces will primarily come from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
04Personnel expected to arrive in phases starting April 13.
05ECI rejected a plea from former Kolkata Police Commissioner for exemption from duty.

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Full Summary

In preparation for the upcoming elections on April 23, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the deployment of 3,000 armed police personnel from various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. This decision is aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process in West Bengal, which has been marked by sensitivity in previous elections. The additional personnel will augment the already planned deployment of 2,400 companies of central forces across the state. The new forces are expected to start arriving in West Bengal from April 13 in a phased manner. Meanwhile, the ECI has directed former Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar to report for duty as a police observer in Tamil Nadu, rejecting his request for exemption due to medical reasons.