In a significant pre-poll development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to deploy 480 companies of central armed police forces in West Bengal even before the formal announcement of election dates, amid concerns over possible violence during the electoral period. According to official sources, the deployment will take place in two phases. The first tranche of 240 companies is scheduled to arrive in the state on March 1, 2026. The remaining 240 companies will be sent on March 10 as part of a staggered reinforcement plan aimed at strengthening security coverage across sensitive districts.
The move comes days before the publication of the final voter list, which is set to be released on February 28. Authorities anticipate that tensions could rise around the revision process as well as during subsequent campaign activities, prompting early logistical planning for security deployment. This would possibly be the highest deployment of forces in a pre election state, unprecedented by national standards.
Officials indicated that the advance placement of forces is intended to allow area familiarisation, route mapping, and coordination with local police units well before polling dates are declared. A key coordination meeting between senior state police officials and representatives of the Election Commission is expected later on Monday. The meeting is likely to focus on force distribution, identification of vulnerable booths, and protocols for joint operations during the election period.
While central forces are routinely deployed during elections, their induction prior to the announcement of the poll schedule is being viewed as a notable step, reflecting the administration’s assessment of the security situation. State authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on district-wise allocation, but preliminary indications suggest that personnel will be stationed strategically across districts flagged as sensitive in past electoral exercises.
