Kolkata, June 18: The central government has significantly reduced the number of central security forces deployed in West Bengal, citing improvements in the law and order situation. A senior government official announced on Thursday that the deployment has been cut from 500 companies to just 150.
After the notification for the assembly elections was issued, the central government had gradually deployed 500 companies. These forces were responsible for election duties, confidence-building measures, route marches, and maintaining law and order in sensitive areas alongside local administration.
To prevent a recurrence of violence similar to that seen after the 2021 assembly elections, a large number of central forces remained deployed even after the elections concluded. However, officials noted that the law and order situation has improved significantly since the change in government. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has granted the police administration full authority to maintain peace and take strict action against any untoward incidents.
In light of the improved security situation, the central government decided to reduce the number of deployed forces. According to senior officials, only 150 companies will remain in the state.
Sources linked to the state secretariat, Nabanna, confirmed that the new deployment arrangement has been implemented. Central forces stationed at Nabanna were removed on Wednesday. These forces had been deployed immediately after the assembly election results were announced on May 4 to ensure the security of government records and the secretariat.
The presence of central forces at Nabanna was aimed at safeguarding government records post-election and maintaining security at the secretariat. Since then, the forces had been checking identification cards and belongings of employees entering and exiting the premises, but they were no longer visible after Wednesday morning.
This year’s West Bengal assembly elections were conducted in two phases under strict security arrangements. According to officials, there were no major incidents of violence, political killings, booth capturing, or widespread clashes during the voting process. The elections are considered among the most peaceful in recent years.
The central government had deployed 500 companies to maintain peace during and after the elections. Following the formation of the new government and the normalization of law and order, a decision was made to recall most of the companies while retaining a limited number of central forces as a precaution.
– D.S.C.
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