In a significant move to ensure post-poll stability, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive to retain 500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal even after the 2026 Assembly Elections conclude. This proactive measure aims to prevent any potential post-poll violence and ensure the safety of citizens across the state.

Drawing lessons from previous electoral experiences in Bengal, the Commission decided that the sudden withdrawal of forces could lead to law-and-order challenges. These 500 companies will remain stationed in sensitive zones and high-risk constituencies to maintain peace until the situation is deemed completely under control. This is one of the largest post-poll deployments in recent history, reflecting the ECI’s zero-tolerance policy toward political unrest. While the opposition has welcomed the move as a necessary security blanket, the political atmosphere remains tense as the state prepares for the final phases of the election.