The Union Home Ministry has sanctioned the deployment of 2,400 companies of Central Armed Police Forces for the upcoming two-phase West Bengal Assembly Elections scheduled for April 23 and 29. To prevent post-poll violence, 500 companies will remain in the state even after the voting concludes. The deployment will commence in phases starting March 31, aiming to provide a secure environment for voters across all districts.

Beyond guarding polling booths, the central forces are mandated to patrol surrounding areas to counter intimidation and booth capturing. Route marches have already begun in Kolkata and other sensitive zones to deter miscreants. The Election Commission has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards electoral malpractices, ensuring that the democratic process remains transparent and free from any form of terror or interference.