The Election Commission of India (ECI) has shifted into high gear for the upcoming West Bengal elections. In a significant move to ensure a violence-free environment, the Commission has decided to deploy an additional 150 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), taking the total presence beyond the previously sanctioned 2,400 companies.

In a direct blow to the state’s auxiliary forces, the ECI has strictly prohibited the use of Civic Volunteers, Green Police, and Student Police for any election-related duties. Furthermore, these volunteers are barred from wearing their uniforms three days prior to and one day after the polling date. The Union Home Ministry has already formally notified the state government regarding this additional deployment.

Reacting to the news, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh quipped, “The only thing left is for them to bring in UN forces. No matter what they do, BJP will lose.” On the other hand, BJP leader Shamik Bhattacharya welcomed the move, stating that the TMC’s “body language” shows they are sensing a tough fight. The ECI has reaffirmed via its official social media handles that the West Bengal polls will be “transparent, fearless, and free of violence.”