Kolkata, 21 February (H.S.): The Centre has decided to deploy central armed forces across West Bengal amid reports of unrest and vandalism from various parts of the state during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move comes ahead of the announcement of poll dates, as authorities seek to ensure that law and order remains under control.
According to a directive issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 480 companies of central forces will be deployed in the state in March. The deployment will take place in two phases. In the first phase, 240 companies will arrive on March 1, followed by another 240 companies on March 10.
The development comes a day after the Supreme Court of India directed the Election Commission to publish the final voter list by February 28 in connection with matters related to the Special Intensive Revision. The Court also allowed the Commission to issue a supplementary list if the entire revision process is not completed by that date. Political observers have described the announcement of central force deployment within 24 hours of the court’s directive as significant.
Sources said the Election Commission is expected to use the central forces to monitor sensitive areas, instill confidence among voters, and maintain peace during the revision process.
Since the launch of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, several incidents of tension have been reported across the state. Electoral roll observers and booth-level officers have reportedly faced protests in some areas. In December last year, there were allegations of an attack on the vehicle of a special observer in Magrahat in South 24 Parganas district.
During hearings in the matter, the Supreme Court had also made strong remarks regarding the state’s law and order situation and cautioned the Director General of Police to ensure strict compliance with rules.
In this backdrop, the deployment of central forces is being viewed as a crucial step ahead of the upcoming electoral process.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
