55 companies of Central Forces to be deployed in Bengal for upcoming by-elections

• 55 Central Force companies to oversee the by-elections in Bengal's Bagda, Ranaghat South, Raiganj, and Maniktala
• Vacancies due to death and resignation of previous MLAs have caused bypolls
• Central forces to remain in Bengal until June 21, with alternative arrangements for their accommodation

The Election Commission has announced that 55 companies of central forces will be deployed to oversee the by-elections in four assembly constituencies in West Bengal scheduled for July 10. The constituencies involved are Bagda, Ranaghat South, Raiganj, and Maniktala, with Bagda receiving the highest number of forces.

According to the Election Commission, the distribution of the central forces will be as follows:
- Bagda Assembly: 16 companies
- Ranaghat South: 15 companies
- Raiganj: 12 companies
- Maniktala: 12 companies

This deployment follows the trend of involving central forces for election oversight in Bengal, which has been ongoing since the Lok Sabha elections. The forces' presence in the state has been extended by the Calcutta High Court until June 21, with alternative accommodation arrangements being made to avoid disrupting school activities.

The by-elections are being conducted to fill vacancies in these constituencies:
- Maniktala: The seat has been vacant since the death of Sadhan Pandey in February 2022. The Supreme Court mandated that by-elections be held within two months following a petition from the defeated BJP candidate.
- Raiganj: Krishna Kalyani, who won the assembly elections on a BJP ticket, resigned after joining the Trinamool Congress, necessitating a by-election.
- Bagda and Ranaghat South: The deployment of central forces aims to ensure fair and peaceful polling in these areas.