‘4th phase to see lessor No. of Central Forces compared to 3rd’

SOUMITRA NANDI, MP, 12 May 2024, Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to deploy a lesser number of Central Forces in the fourth phase of polls, scheduled on May 13, in comparison to the third phase. Eight Parliamentary constituencies – Berhampore, Ranaghat, Bardhaman- Durgapur, Bolpur, Krishnanagar, Bardhaman Purba, Asansol and Birbhum will go for polls on May 13. 

According to data provided by the Commission, there will be 596 companies of Central Forces during the fourth phase. Out of these, 579 companies are designated for overseeing 15,507 booths, while the remaining 17 companies will be deployed to supervise strong rooms and maintain law and order in various districts. 

During the third phase, the commission had deployed 406 companies of Central Forces. In the fourth phase, 3647 out of 15507 polling stations which accounts for nearly 21 per cent, have been labelled “sensitive”.

“The deployment of Central Forces is designed according to the sensitivity of the booths and the vulnerability of the constituency. So, it is not surprising that Central Forces will be less during the fourth phase. 

However, there will be adequate security arrangements in the fourth phase as well,“ an EC official said. The commission will be deploying 130 companies in Birbhum and an additional 73 companies for the Berhampur constituency in Murshidabad. 

Moreover, 152 companies have been assigned to Burdwan East, followed by 88 companies for the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate. 

There will be 81 companies for Krishnanagar and 54 companies for the Ranaghat Parliamentary constituencies in Nadia. In addition to the presence of Central Forces in all the booths, there will be 68 Quick Response Team (QRT) evenly distributed in all the constituencies.

In Asansol-Durgapur there will be 16 QRT teams followed by 15 in Murshidabad, 13 each in Birbhum and Burdwan Purba, 6 in Krishnanagar and 5 in Ranaghat. The Central Forces will also be supported by a state force of nearly 30,009 personnel. 

 https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/4th-phase-to-see-lessor-no-of-central-forces-compared-to-3rd-563407