Central forces must not remain idle, says EC; directs direct deployment on poll duty

Sending a strong message ahead of the elections, the Election Commission has made it clear that central forces cannot remain idle and must be directly deployed on active duty. The Commission has directed that central forces be placed on continuous patrol during the polling process, underlining that their presence must be visible and effective across sensitive areas.

The role of central forces during elections has often drawn allegations of inactivity in previous instances. This time, however, the Commission has taken a firm stand. At a meeting held on Monday with the state police administration, officials questioned whether the forces would be properly deployed and instructed that they be sent directly to their designated places of duty.

The issue has also triggered political reactions. The Bharatiya Janata Party has asserted that the forces will function effectively only if they remain under the control of the Election Commission of India, while the All India Trinamool Congress has alleged that the BJP is attempting to intimidate voters by pushing for central force deployment. No final decision has yet been taken on the exact number or locations of deployment, though sensitive areas are expected to receive priority.