The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to deploy an additional 100 companies of the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) in West Bengal for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. According to sources, 55 companies of CRPF and 45 companies of the Border Security Forces (BSF) are being deployed by the Home Ministry on the instruction of the ECI on or before April 15.

The ECI held a crucial meeting with representatives from all states and union territories to assess the law and order situation and ensure the prevention of illegal activities during the ongoing General Elections. The purpose was to facilitate coordination among officials and agencies across borders to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was attended by top officials from States/UTs and central agencies guarding the borders. CEC Kumar called upon all stakeholders to work together seamlessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure level playing field.

Elections to the 42 parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal will be held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

(Inputs from ANI)