Bengal Election Phase 2: Over 2 Lakh Security Personnel Deployed for Peaceful Polling

Kolkata: Voting is being held today on 142 seats in seven districts in the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections. This phase is also considered special because it includes many areas where tension and clashes have been seen during elections in the past also. This period is also very important from the political point of view, because the reputation of many big leaders is linked to these seats.

Why has the security system been made so strict?

This time the Election Commission does not want to take any kind of risk. Considering past experiences, a very strict approach has been adopted regarding security. The effort is to ensure that there is no scope for any kind of violence or disturbance during voting. For this reason, the entire area has been kept on high alert.

How many security forces have been deployed?

If we talk about figures, more than 2.3 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel have been deployed for this phase. Along with them, about 38 thousand state policemen are also on duty. Apart from this, more than 100 observers are keeping an eye on the election process, so that every activity remains transparent. Additional agencies have also been deployed in sensitive areas.

What steps did the administration take before voting?

Just before the voting, the administration has shown strictness to keep the atmosphere calm. More than 2,300 suspects have been arrested in the last 72 hours. Some local level leaders are also said to be included in these. Also, more than 650 non-bailable warrants have been issued. The objective of these steps is clear, to avoid any kind of problem on the election day.

What are the security arrangements in Kolkata?

Maximum security forces have been deployed in the capital Kolkata. Here hundreds of companies of central forces and thousands of policemen are jointly monitoring more than 5,000 booths. Special attention is being kept on every sensitive area in the city. This is considered to be the biggest security deployment ever.

Which areas are considered most sensitive?

Parts of East Burdwan, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas have been considered more sensitive. Tension has already arisen in these areas, hence additional forces and quick action teams have been deployed here. The security plan has been prepared separately for each area.

How many booths are being kept under special surveillance?

More than 41 thousand polling stations have been set up in the entire state. Of these, about 12 thousand booths have been declared sensitive. Special surveillance is being maintained at these booths and every activity is kept under close watch. Teams are ready to take immediate action if needed.

Is peaceful voting expected this time?

In view of such a huge and strict security arrangement, the administration is hopeful that this time the voting will be completed peacefully without any major incident. Voters have also been appealed to use their vote without any fear. Overall, this phase is considered to be the most stringent so far in terms of security and vigilance.