Assembly elections are going to be held in West Bengal within the next few days. Along with the political parties, the Election Commission is also busy in its preparations. Regarding the elections, it has been decided by the Election Commission that even after the elections are over, about 700 Central Security Force (CAPF) companies will remain deployed in Bengal. Of these, about 500 companies will remain only to maintain law and order. A large number of security agencies will be deployed during the elections also. Taking lessons from the violence of 2021, the Commission will also use technology like drones and robots to ensure peace.
Election Commission has included 200 companies of CRPF, 150 of BSF, 50 of CISF, 50 of ITBP and 50 of SSB among the 500 companies to maintain law and order. The Election Commission suspects that there may be violence in the state after the voting. This is the reason why preparations are being made now. Till the counting of votes is over, 200 more companies will be deployed for the security of EVMs, strong rooms and counting centres.
The reason behind this preparation of the Election Commission is the situation of the year 2021 elections. After voting, violence and clashes had spoiled the atmosphere in many areas of the state. This is the reason why the Commission is now preparing to deal with any kind of situation.
Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Aggarwal said, "It is expected that these 500 companies will stay for two weeks, but if needed, their stay can be extended. The CEO said that the central forces will use different gadgets for surveillance. 2 lakh webcams will be used during the elections. The central forces will use body cameras and 360-degree rotating cameras. He said, "Robot dogs will capture images in the control room. Will send. “The drones will keep an eye on the troublemakers.”
Election Commission officials are alert about post-poll violence. Because more than 1,300 cases were reported in 2021, out of which 90% of the cases occurred between May 2 and 5. That means all these incidents had come to light before the government assumed power. CM Mamata Banerjee took oath as Chief Minister for the third time on May 5, 2021. Till then, the responsibility of law and order rested with the Election Commission.
Following complaints, the Calcutta High Court constituted a SIT to investigate the post-poll violence, which was monitored by former Chief Justice Manjula Chellur. Election Commission officials are identifying areas prone to violence and planning deployment of forces in sensitive areas.
An Election Commission official said that 480 companies of central forces are already present in Bengal. By March 31, 300 more companies will be deployed, which includes 125 companies of CRPF and 100 companies of BSF. 600 more companies will reach by 10th April. Apart from this, 300 additional companies will come from State Armed Police (SAP) of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and UP.
