Central forces to stay in Bengal for 60 more days after polls: Shah

PTI, April 27, 2026, Kolkata:  Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that central forces would remain deployed in West Bengal for at least 60 more days after the Assembly elections.

Shah was addressing a gathering after leading a roadshow in Behala, where voting will take place in the second and final phase on April 29. The first phase of elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly was held on April 23. Votes will be counted on May 4.

"Brothers and sisters, go and vote on the 29th, do not worry about the goons. The Election Commission has made extensive security arrangements, and I am telling you that even though the BJP will come to power, central forces will remain here for 60 days," he said.

The roadshow was held on the final day of campaigning in support of BJP candidates for Behala Purba and Behala Paschim, turning the south Kolkata neighbourhood into a sea of saffron. Standing atop an open-hood vehicle, Shah waved at supporters and showered flower petals on crowds lining both sides of the road.

Thousands of BJP workers and supporters, carrying party flags and orange-green balloons, thronged the route, raising slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai".

Later, Shah took part in another colourful roadshow at Chandannagar in Hooghly district, drawing large crowds.

Speaking on the occasion, the Home Minister said there was a strong wave in favour of the BJP and asserted that once voted to power, it would "push back all infiltrators". He also alleged large-scale corruption in social welfare schemes by the TMC government, stating that those involved would not be spared.