The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to deploy 480 companies of central paramilitary forces in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections in order to ensure security and maintain law and order during the polling process.

According to official communication sent to the state administration, the deployment will take place in two phases. The first phase involves 240 companies being deployed from March 1, while the remaining forces will be stationed across sensitive areas beginning March 10.

Election authorities have identified several districts as sensitive zones due to past incidents of political clashes and election-related violence. The presence of central forces is expected to support local police in maintaining peaceful campaigning and secure polling stations.

Political parties in the state have intensified preparations for the elections, with rallies, public meetings, and door-to-door campaigns being organized across districts.

Officials stated that the objective of the security deployment is to ensure free and fair elections and to prevent any form of intimidation or unlawful activity during the electoral process.

The Election Commission has also instructed district administrations to increase surveillance, deploy additional security personnel at polling booths, and strictly monitor campaign activities to maintain electoral integrity.

The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, with major political parties focusing heavily on grassroots campaigning in rural and urban constituencies.