Central Forces to Remain in West Bengal for 60 Days After Assembly Elections: Amit Shah’s Assurance for Peaceful Polling

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to be deployed in West Bengal for 60 days following the conclusion of the 2026 Assembly elections. This measure aims to support a calm and orderly environment during and after the voting process.

Speaking during a vibrant roadshow in Behala Paschim on April 27, Shah encouraged voters to participate enthusiastically in the second and final phase of polling on April 29 without any apprehension. He highlighted the extensive presence of central forces arranged by the Election Commission across the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a roadshow in West Bengal's Behala. (PTI) | Hindustan Times

Record Deployment by Election Commission for Secure Elections

The Election Commission of India has undertaken one of its largest security operations for any state assembly election. For the first phase on April 23, it deployed around 2,407 companies of CAPF, involving over 2.4 lakh personnel. A similar strong deployment was planned for the second phase on April 29.

In addition, approximately 500 companies are set to remain in the state for post-poll duties to maintain law and order, while another 200 companies will safeguard EVMs and counting centres. This comprehensive arrangement reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and incident-free elections in a state with a history of heightened political activity.

Amit Shah’s Appeal and Vision for West Bengal

During his campaign engagements in Kolkata and surrounding areas, Shah expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects and urged people to vote in large numbers. He reiterated the party’s pledge to implement the Uniform Civil Code and focus on development initiatives aimed at transforming West Bengal into a prosperous state, often referred to as “Sonar Bangla.”

Shah also called upon all sections of society to cooperate in maintaining peace during the electoral process, emphasising that the presence of central forces would provide reassurance to voters.

Context of Heightened Security Measures

West Bengal’s elections have often drawn significant attention due to competitive political dynamics. The decision to extend the deployment of central forces comes as part of a broader strategy to support smooth polling and post-poll stability. The first phase recorded a high voter turnout of around 93 per cent, with reports indicating largely peaceful proceedings so far.

The two-phase polling schedule covers all 294 seats, with results expected on May 4, alongside other states.

The MGMM Outlook 

The decision to retain Central Armed Police Forces in West Bengal for 60 days after the assembly elections reflects a strong institutional emphasis on maintaining electoral integrity beyond just the polling days. With the Election Commission of India deploying an unprecedented number of personnel, the scale of preparedness signals recognition of the state’s sensitive political environment. The continued presence of forces during the post-poll phase, including protection of EVMs and counting centres, aims to prevent disruptions and reinforce public confidence in the fairness of the democratic process. Such extensive arrangements suggest that election management is being treated not as a one-day event but as a prolonged process requiring stability before, during, and after voting.

At the same time, the political messaging accompanying this security framework highlights a broader attempt to shape voter perception around safety and participation. Amit Shah’s outreach, combined with assurances of peaceful polling, positions security deployment as both a logistical necessity and a reassurance mechanism. The high voter turnout in the initial phase indicates that these measures may be contributing to increased public engagement. However, the reliance on heavy central deployment also underscores the continuing challenges in ensuring a uniformly peaceful electoral climate in the state, making administrative vigilance and cooperative political conduct equally important in sustaining trust throughout the electoral cycle.

(Sources: New Indian Express, NDTV, Hindustan Times)