First-ever Air Force chopper used for poll monitoring in Bengal; Centre to provide 3 more choppers to CEO

In a first-of-its-kind move in India’s electoral system, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has conducted an aerial review of election preparedness using an Air Force helicopter. The unprecedented step marks the first time a state CEO has assessed poll readiness and ground conditions from the air with support from the Air Force, as part of efforts to ensure a free, fair, and secure election process.

On Monday, Agarwal undertook an extensive aerial survey from morning till evening, covering key districts in North Bengal ahead of the first phase of polling. Starting from Kolkata, he visited Malda, North Dinajpur, and Cooch Behar, where he also held high-level meetings with district administrations to review security arrangements, logistical readiness, and administrative coordination. The rapid assessment aimed to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen preparedness in sensitive regions.

The review exercise is set to continue, with the CEO scheduled to travel from Cooch Behar to West Midnapore by Air Force helicopter on Tuesday before returning to Kolkata. The two-day aerial operation is being overseen by Wing Commander Pradeep A. Hariharan, ensuring coordination between civil and defence authorities. Additionally, the Centre is expected to provide three more helicopters to assist the CEO in monitoring election arrangements more efficiently across the state.

While helicopter-based reviews have been conducted in the past, including in West Bengal in 2006, this marks the first instance of an Air Force helicopter being used for election-related monitoring. The move has drawn attention not only for its scale but also for its implications, as political reactions have emerged over the deployment of central resources, with concerns raised about the perception it may create regarding the state’s law and order situation.