The Election Commission of India on Sunday unveiled an extensive security plan for the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, warning that any attempt to disrupt polling across 142 constituencies on April 29 would invite strict action.
At a high-level coordination meeting in Kolkata, attended by senior police officers, poll officials and central force commanders, the Commission reviewed preparedness and ordered intensified deployment in sensitive pockets, including interior lanes and vulnerable neighbourhoods.
“As part of the plan, 160 motorcycles carrying two CAPF personnel each will patrol localities across the constituencies for quick deployment. The focus is on force deployment, vulnerability mapping, communication between the civil and police administration and ensuring a visible security presence in every area,” an official said.
The strategy hinges on heavy ground presence and rapid-response mechanisms, with constituency-wise force deployment and area domination exercises aimed at ensuring voters can cast their ballots without fear.
Among those present at the meeting were Kolkata Police Commissioner, district election officers of Kolkata Uttar, Kolkata Dakshin and South 24 Parganas, returning officers, observers, and Special Observer Subrata Gupta and Special Police Observer N K Mishra.
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Separately, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal visited Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas to assess readiness and engage with political stakeholders. He urged parties to facilitate peaceful polling and maximise voter participation.
“We have requested everyone to ensure peaceful and normal voting. Bogus voting or booth capturing will not be allowed. People must be able to exercise their democratic right without fear. Anyone trying to prevent that will face action,” Agarwal said.
He added that CCTV cameras would be installed at all polling stations, central forces would guard booths, and unauthorised persons would be barred within a 100-metre radius of polling premises.
“Voters should go out and cast their votes. We are here to restore confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
The Commission has been conducting similar reviews across districts in the run-up to the second phase, signalling heightened vigilance in what is expected to be a closely watched round of polling.
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