The Election Commission is set to take a significant step regarding the deployment of central forces in the upcoming Assembly elections. The forces will be sent directly for active duty, and they cannot be kept idle under any circumstances.

This directive sends a strong message from the Commission amid recurring debates over the role of central forces during elections.

Questions have frequently been raised about how central forces are utilised, with allegations that they are sometimes kept inactive.

To address these concerns, the Election Commission has issued clear and explicit instructions to the state administration on the deployment and use of forces, according to Commission sources.

Political reactions have already surfaced. The BJP has argued that if the Election Commission maintains control over the forces, they will be able to function effectively. However, if the forces are under state control, the BJP claims they may not be able to perform independently.

On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the BJP is attempting to intimidate voters through heavy force deployment.

Central Forces Deployment

As per Election Commission sources, 480 companies of central forces are scheduled to arrive in West Bengal in the first week of March.

  • Phase 1: 240 companies on March 1
  • Phase 2: 240 companies on March 10

Breakdown of forces:

  1. 230 companies of CRPF
  2. 120 companies of BSF
  3. 37 companies of CISF
  4. 47 companies of ITBP
  5. 46 companies of SSB

How Will the Forces Work?

A meeting between the Election Commission, state police administration, and central forces was held on Monday. During the meeting, the Commission emphasised that central forces must be deployed directly for election duties. They are to be actively utilised rather than stationed without assignment.

While a final decision on the exact areas and numbers of deployment is yet to be made, more forces are expected to be allocated to sensitive regions.

All vehicles of the central forces will be GPS-enabled. Additionally, the Commission has instructed that the central forces must operate in coordination with the state administration.

Increase in Booth Numbers

The Election Commission has created a database of 7.5 lakh polling personnel across the state. Until the issuance of the SIR notification, West Bengal had 80,681 booths. However, following a nationwide decision implemented after the Kaliganj Assembly by-election in August 2025, no polling booth will have more than 1,200 voters.

This decision led to an increase in booth numbers. After the rearrangement post-SIR notification, the booth count rose to approximately 95,000.

However, after the publication of the draft voter list, it was observed that around 58 lakh voters were excluded, resulting in a slight reduction. The current estimated number of booths now stands close to 90,000.

The number of booths located in high-rise buildings currently stands at 78.

Polling Staff Requirements

Preparations have been completed considering 90,000 booths.

  • A total of 5,04,000 polling staff will be required, including reserves:
  • 60% male: 3,02,400
  • 40% female: 2,01,600

EVM & VVPAT Allocation

With a 30% reserve, the total number of EVMs (Ballot Units + Control Units) will be:

  • 1,12,500 Ballot Units
  • 1,12,500 Control Units
  • Total: 2,25,000 EVM units

VVPAT machines will exceed 35% reserve, totalling 1,21,500.

Booth Infrastructure & Transport

All polling booths have been repaired and upgraded as per Election Commission guidelines. Arrangements have been made to ensure smooth access for elderly voters, specially-abled voters, and the general electorate.

The Commission is also assessing the availability of government and private buses across the state for election duties. According to sources, buses may be hired from neighbouring states if necessary.