BJP claims 'misuse of CAPF' over Girish Park riot, writes to ECI

The BJP has formally petitioned the Election Commission following an outbreak of violence in North Kolkata’s Girish Park on March 14. According to the party’s complaint, buses transporting workers to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s massive rally at Brigade Parade Ground were subjected to large-scale stone-pelting. The attack resulted in several BJP leaders and workers sustaining serious injuries, with many requiring immediate hospitalization.

A primary concern raised in the letter is the conspicuous absence of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) during the disturbance. The BJP alleged that despite a significant deployment of central personnel across the city well before the polls, they were nowhere to be seen at the site of the clash. The party argued that the presence of Kolkata Police at the scene suggests there was advance intelligence of potential violence, yet central units were deliberately kept away.

The delegation reminded the EC that they had previously warned of CAPF being "misused" for route marches in peaceful areas and highways rather than being stationed where voter confidence-building is actually needed. They claim the Girish Park incident is a direct manifestation of this strategic mismanagement. The BJP insists that the current deployment pattern fails its intended purpose of area domination and timely intervention in law-and-order situations.

In its concluding remarks, the BJP urged the Election Commission to take the strongest possible action against those responsible for the non-deployment of CAPF. The party demanded a revised strategy to ensure a free and fair electoral environment as West Bengal moves closer to the 2026 Assembly Elections.