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With Lok Sabha elections looming and concerns over potential violence, the Election Commission has decided to deploy 150 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in West Bengal, starting March 1. This proactive measure comes in response to the turbulent political climate in the state, marked by incidents of violence during past elections and law enforcement actions. Despite the deployment, questions remain regarding the operational authority and specific duties of the central forces, raising concerns among political experts about the transparency of the election process.
The Election Commission's decision follows past instances of violence during the West Bengal Panchayat elections in 2023 and recent attacks on law enforcement officials. As preparations for the upcoming polls intensify, the Election Commission is set to convene a full bench meeting on March 3 to discuss election logistics, security measures, and pre-election conditions in the state. The deployment of CAPFs, comprising various paramilitary forces, underscores the Election Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections in West Bengal.