MHA Deploys 480 Central Force Companies to West Bengal Ahead of Elections

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to deploy 480 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal, starting from March 1, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. This deployment is aimed at ensuring security and order in the state ahead of the elections scheduled for later this year.

The deployment will occur in two phases. The first batch of 240 companies is due to arrive on March 1. This group will consist of 110 companies from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 from the Border Security Force (BSF), 21 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and 27 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). A second batch of 240 companies is planned for March 10, which will include 120 companies from the CRPF, 65 from the BSF, 16 from the CISF, 20 from the ITBP, and 19 from the SSB.

Security Objectives and Election Preparations

The MHA has indicated that these forces will primarily be deployed for area domination as well as security duties on election day. Their responsibilities will also include monitoring electronic voting machine storage centres, strong rooms, and counting centres. The final list for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal is scheduled to be published on February 28, 2026, one day before the arrival of the first batch of central forces.

In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the MHA deployed a total of 1,071 companies of central forces across West Bengal, demonstrating the ongoing importance of security in the electoral process.

A meeting of senior officials is currently taking place at the office of the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to discuss the role of these forces in the electoral proceedings, particularly in relation to matters before the Calcutta High Court. Officials from the Election Commission of India (ECI) are also in attendance, including the Director General (Law) of the ECI, Vijay Pandey.

The Supreme Court of India recently issued directives concerning the SIR process, stating that the ongoing special intensive revision of the voter list will be verified by both current and former judicial officers appointed by the High Court. The court clarified that the voter list to be published by the Election Commission on February 28 will not be final. It emphasized that the hearing process regarding any discrepancies will continue, and additional lists may be published if necessary after that date.

This proactive approach by the MHA underscores the significance of maintaining electoral integrity and security in West Bengal as the state prepares for its Assembly elections.