700 Paramilitary Companies Stay in West Bengal to Prevent Post-Poll Violence Before May 4 Counting
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has retained all 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in West Bengal following the completion of two phases of Assembly polling, in a high-alert move aimed at preventing the post-poll violence that marred the 2021 elections. The paramilitary personnel, who were originally deployed across the state for polling on 23 and 29 April 2026, will remain stationed until further notice, with the counting of votes scheduled for 4 May.
In a statement on 30 April, the poll body confirmed that the CAPF deployment will be supplemented by strict security protocols at all counting centres, including QR code-based photo identity cards for authorised personnel, real-time video surveillance, and control rooms at both the state and national levels for monitoring the counting exercise.
Why 700 Companies Have Been Retained
The decision to keep such a large paramilitary contingent in West Bengal stems from the state’s troubled electoral history. The 2026 West Bengal Assembly election is being fought between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that has invested heavily in the state.
In 2021, the aftermath of the election saw widespread reports of political violence, including attacks on BJP workers and supporters, arson, and displacement of families in several districts. National and international human rights organisations documented hundreds of incidents, prompting the Calcutta High Court to order a CBI investigation into the most serious cases. The Election Commission is determined not to allow a repeat.
The two phases of polling in 2026 were conducted relatively peacefully compared to 2021. Phase 1, held on 23 April, recorded a historic 92.59 per cent voter turnout, while Phase 2, covering 142 constituencies including the high-profile Bhabanipur seat contested by Mamata Banerjee against Suvendu Adhikari, also saw robust participation. However, election officials warned that the real risk of violence typically emerges after results are announced, when victorious party workers target opponents in a show of dominance.
Security Measures at Counting Centres
The Election Commission has implemented a multi-layered security framework for the counting exercise on 4 May. Each counting centre will have a dedicated CAPF contingent, with state police providing an outer cordon. Entry will be restricted to personnel carrying QR code-based photo identification cards, eliminating the possibility of unauthorised access.
Officials at the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi will conduct real-time monitoring of the counting process through a network of control rooms connected to every district. Any reports of disturbance or violence will be escalated immediately, with rapid response teams on standby across all 294 constituencies.
The poll body has also issued strict warnings to political parties, stating that any individual or organisation found inciting or participating in post-poll violence will face criminal prosecution under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. District magistrates have been empowered to impose prohibitory orders under Section 144 in areas deemed sensitive.
Political Stakes in the May 4 Counting
The stakes in the West Bengal election could not be higher. For Mamata Banerjee, a third consecutive term as Chief Minister would cement her position as one of India’s most powerful regional leaders and a key figure in national opposition politics. For the BJP, a strong showing — or an outright victory — would represent a major breakthrough in eastern India and validate its aggressive campaign strategy.
Exit polls have offered mixed predictions, with some surveys suggesting a close contest and others pointing to a TMC advantage in rural constituencies and a BJP edge in urban areas. The simultaneous elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will also see results declared on 4 May, making it one of the biggest days in Indian electoral politics this year.
TMC Alleges Ballot Box Tampering
Tensions flared on the evening of 30 April when Trinamool Congress workers staged a sit-in protest outside a strong room at Netaji Indoor Stadium in central Kolkata, alleging that ballot boxes stored inside had been opened. The BJP dismissed the allegations as “pure rumours” designed to create a narrative of victimhood ahead of the results. The Election Commission said it was investigating the complaint but added that the strong rooms were under round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and CAPF guard.
Such allegations are not uncommon in the run-up to counting day, particularly in politically charged states. Similar disputes arose during the Gujarat local body elections earlier this year, though no evidence of tampering was found.
What to Expect on May 4
Counting is expected to begin at 8 AM on 4 May and could extend well into the evening given the large number of constituencies. Early trends are typically available within the first few hours, but final results may take longer in closely contested seats where multiple rounds of counting are required.
The Election Commission has appealed to all political parties, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace and refrain from provocative celebrations or demonstrations until the process is complete. For the 700 CAPF companies on the ground, the days between now and the declaration of results will be the most critical phase of their deployment — a test of whether India’s electoral machinery can deliver not just free and fair elections, but a peaceful aftermath as well.
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