Murshidabad District Records Highest Voter Deletions and Central Forces Deployment in Bengal
The Murshidabad district in West Bengal, which recorded the highest number of deletions from the voters' list during the special intensive revision of the electoral roll, is set to have the largest contingent of central forces deployed ahead of the first phase of the assembly elections on April 23. This development underscores the heightened security and electoral scrutiny in the region.
Massive Voter Deletions and Unprecedented Security Measures
During the special intensive revision, close to 7.4 lakh names were deleted from the electoral roll in Murshidabad, a Muslim-majority district. In response, around 316 companies of Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed there, according to Election Commission sources. This deployment is part of a broader security plan for the state.
In total, 2,407 companies of CAPF, comprising at least 1.73 lakh personnel, will be positioned across 152 constituencies spanning 16 districts that are scheduled to vote on April 23. This marks the highest-ever deployment of central forces in West Bengal for an election. For context, during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which were conducted in seven phases in Bengal, 900 companies of CAPF were sent to the state. In the 2021 state polls, held in eight phases, the Election Commission had deployed approximately 725 companies.
Detailed Deployment Plan Across Districts
The deployment plan specifies that the Murshidabad and Jangipur police districts within Murshidabad will receive 240 and 76 companies of central forces, respectively. Following Murshidabad, East Midnapore will see the second-highest CAPF deployment with 273 companies, while West Midnapore will have 271 companies. Notably, the politically significant Nandigram constituency, where the BJP has fielded the leader of the opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, is located in East Midnapore.
Additionally, the Election Commission announced that 40,928 state police personnel will be deployed for the first phase of the polls. Murshidabad will again lead in this aspect, with 4,216 personnel allocated to the Murshidabad police district and 1,550 to the Jangipur police district. Each CAPF company consists of at least 72 personnel, ensuring a robust security presence.
Enhanced Security Protocols and Timelines
An Election Commission official highlighted that "CAPF deployment will be more than four times the number of state police personnel," emphasizing the scale of central involvement. The polling body has mandated that all central force and state police personnel must be deployed by April 20, well in advance of the first phase of elections on April 23, to ensure smooth and secure voting processes.
This unprecedented security arrangement reflects the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining law and order during the crucial assembly elections in West Bengal, particularly in districts like Murshidabad that have seen significant electoral changes and require heightened vigilance.
