Kolkata, March 13: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to determine the deployment of police observers for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections later this year, based on district sensitivity mapping.
A source from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal revealed that the commission is considering several factors while conducting this district-wise sensitivity mapping. Districts will be categorized into three groups.
The first category will include districts that share a border with Bangladesh. The second category will consist of districts that have experienced significant electoral violence in the last three elections, whether before, during, or after the polls. The third category will encompass districts that meet both criteria, meaning they border Bangladesh and have a history of electoral violence.
Examples of districts in the third category include Murshidabad, Malda, and Cooch Behar. These areas not only share a border with Bangladesh but have also witnessed multiple incidents of election-related violence. In contrast, districts like Howrah, adjacent to Kolkata, fall into the second category. While Howrah does not border Bangladesh, it has a record of serious political violence.
Considering these factors, the Election Commission is contemplating increasing the number of central observers in these regions, particularly the deployment of police observers.
In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the ECI appointed 170 general observers, 84 expenditure observers, and 37 police observers. A source from the CEO’s office indicated that this time, the ECI headquarters has already informed that the number of observers in all three categories will be increased, especially for police observers.
This year, at least 100 or more police observers will be appointed in West Bengal, nearly three times the number from 2021.
The source also mentioned that police observers will be granted greater authority this time, particularly regarding the deployment and movement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Previously, district magistrates, who also serve as district electoral officers, decided on the movement of CAPF. However, this time, the commission has decided that only the police observers appointed by the ECI will have the authority to determine the movement of CAPF in their respective districts.
Additionally, mixed teams will be formed to assess the area-specific requirements for CAPF deployment. The recommendations from these teams and the decisions made by police observers will be considered final. This is the reason for the significant increase in the number of police observers this time.
Sources from the CEO’s office have also confirmed that district-specific teams will evaluate the area-wise CAPF needs, with the decisions of police observers being deemed final.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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