Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) : The Election Commission is considering additional deployment of central forces in West Bengal in the wake of repeated unrest during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings, signaling a stricter security approach ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Authorities fear that law and order could become more sensitive after the publication of the final voters’ list, prompting preemptive measures to strengthen security.

According to sources, the Commission has sought a detailed report from retired IPS officer N.K. Mishra, recently appointed as a special observer. The Commission aims to ensure robust security arrangements well before polling, particularly in sensitive areas, to guarantee peaceful and fair elections. As part of this strategy, plans are underway to deploy at least 100 companies of central forces by the first week of March.

The Commission has scheduled the publication of the final voters’ list under the SIR exercise for February 28. However, considering the pace of ongoing verification of related files, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agrawal has expressed uncertainty over releasing the list on the scheduled date. Once the final list is published, the process for announcing the election schedule is expected to commence immediately.

It is anticipated that the assembly election notification could be issued by the second week of March. In comparison to previous polls, the Commission is likely to increase central force deployment this time to curb any potential violence or disorder at an early stage. During the SIR hearings, disruptions in law and order were raised before the Supreme Court, and the state police chief faced a “show cause” notice over alleged inaction.

Election officials indicate that, unlike the 2021 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a larger presence of central forces may be deployed for the upcoming elections to ensure stringent monitoring and prevent any untoward incidents.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh