The Union Home Ministry is set to deploy 480 companies of paramilitary forces in West Bengal, including 27 companies of ITBP, ahead of the assembly elections.
The Union Home Ministry will deploy a total of 480 companies of paramilitary forces in West Bengal before the upcoming state assembly elections. This deployment will occur in two phases, with the first phase commencing on March 1, 2026.
In the first phase, 240 companies will be deployed, including 110 companies of CRPF, 55 companies of BSF, 21 companies of CISF, 27 companies of ITBP, and 27 companies of SSB. The remaining 240 companies will follow on March 10, 2026.
This extensive deployment aims to maintain law and order in the state as it prepares for the assembly elections, particularly in light of the political tensions that often accompany such events.
The paramilitary forces will be stationed across all 8 districts of North Bengal, which includes the regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hill districts, known for their diverse political landscape.
The decision to deploy these forces reflects the Union Home Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process, especially in areas that have historically experienced unrest during elections.
As the elections approach, observers will be watching closely to see how this deployment impacts the political climate in West Bengal. The presence of such a significant number of paramilitary personnel is expected to deter potential disruptions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific roles these forces will play during the election period, but their primary objective will be to uphold the law and ensure voter safety.
This deployment marks a proactive approach by the government to address any potential challenges that may arise during the electoral process, aiming to foster a secure environment for voters.
