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The Election Commission (EC) has strategized the deployment of 263 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. These forces will be stationed across the constituencies of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar to ensure smooth and secure voting processes.
Sources within the EC revealed that the largest contingent of Central forces, comprising 112 companies, will be positioned in Cooch Behar. This constituency is significant as it sees BJP's sitting MP and Union Minister Nisith Pramanik contesting for re-election. Additionally, 88 companies will be deployed in Jalpaiguri, with 63 companies earmarked for Alipurduar.
Currently, the state boasts a presence of 177 companies of Central forces, as per official records. Alongside the Central Corps personnel, the state police will also be on high alert during the first phase of elections. More than 10,000 state police personnel are slated to complement the Central forces' efforts in maintaining order and security.
A hundred companies are expected to reach West Bengal before April 15, with 177 companies already stationed in the state. Nodal Officer Anand Sharma has corresponded with Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab outlining the deployment scheme.
Further measures include the assignment of 3,957 armed police personnel and the establishment of four strong rooms. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be active, comprising 28 teams in Jalpaiguri, 27 in Cooch Behar, and 19 in Alipurduar. Paramilitary forces will bolster the QRTs to ensure swift responses in case of any untoward incidents.