Twelve companies of Central paramilitary force arrived in various parts of West Bengal on Saturday ahead of the coming Assembly polls. This is the first time in recent times that paramilitary forces have been sent to the state even before election dates were announced.
Among the districts where Central forces reached were Birbhum, Paschim Burdwan, Bankura, Howrah among others. According to officials, there may be 125 companies of Central paramilitary forces deployed in the state by February 25.
The number of booths have increased in the state compared to the last Assembly polls, and due to the COVID-19 situation, there are 22,000 additional booths. The number of Central force personnel required will also be more.
Bengal has a history of political violence in the run-up to elections. Elections are expected to be held in April-May, and the dates may be announced any day now.
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