West Bengal elections: EC set to deploy 2.4 lakh CAPF personnel, 500 companies to stay back after results
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to deploy a record 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in West Bengal for the 2026 Assembly elections, the highest‑ever deployment in a single state during polls. Roughly 1,700 CAPF companies will be moved in phases across the state to ensure security at polling booths and sensitive constituencies.
Scale of CAPF deployment
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Each CAPF company contains about 90–125 personnel, so the 2.4‑lakh figure reflects a massive manpower build‑up.
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The deployment is being made amid heightened concerns over law and order, given West Bengal’s history of poll‑related and post‑poll violence.
Post‑poll security plan
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After polling ends on 29 April 2026, around 200 CAPF companies will stay back to guard EVMs, strong rooms, and counting centres until counting is completed.
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In addition, about 500 CAPF companies (roughly 45,000–60,000 personnel) will continue to be deployed in the state even after counting day (4 May 2026) to maintain law and order and prevent clashes or unrest.
Context and political response
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The move is explicitly framed as a preventive measure against post‑election violence, referencing past incidents after the 2021 Assembly polls.
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Trinamool Congress (TMC) leadership, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has alleged misuse of central forces, reflecting the politically charged environment in which the ECI is enforcing this security plan.
