Massive security deployment has been put in place ahead of the second phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal. Around 2,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed, along
with more than 6,000 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to ensure law and order.
In addition, the state police have deployed 26 senior officers on special duty across various districts. After a relatively less violent first phase, the Election Commission is focusing on ensuring a violence-free second phase. With 142 seats going to polls, all booths have been categorised as sensitive.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has set up a dedicated control room in Kolkata to monitor the ground situation in real time.
CRPF IG Shalabh Mathur, speaking to News18, said the forces are on high alert with extensive deployment across the state. “You can see the control room from here. We are prepared from every perspective,” he said.
He added that a robust system has been developed in coordination with the state police. Every polling booth is being manned by CAPF personnel, supported by over 6,000 QRTs. A wireless communication network and a dedicated social media monitoring team have also been put in place.
“We have ensured a strong deployment strategy for polling day. Districts have been divided into clusters, armoured vehicles are in position, and systems are in place to handle medical emergencies,” he said.
Appealing to voters, he said, “Do not be afraid. Please come out and vote. Every booth is secured by CAPF personnel.”
The CRPF West Bengal Sector, under the State Force Coordinator’s office, has also issued helpline numbers for the public:
- Mobile: 8420272101, 8420272343
- Landline: 033-23671117
Mathur said all inputs are being acted upon promptly. “We have learnt from the first phase and further strengthened our system. I assure you that CAPF personnel are present everywhere,” he added.
He also advised voters to use the helpline in case of intimidation. “We have a SAFE app through which ground-level personnel feed real-time data, enabling quick response during emergencies,” he said.
According to officials, more than 1,700 miscreants have already been arrested as part of preventive measures.
Separately, Lok Bhavan has introduced special arrangements for citizens. A 24×7 helpline will remain operational until 10 May 2026 to assist voters during the election period.
Citizens can report election-related complaints, security concerns, and other issues through the helpline. Authorities said complaints are being received from across the state and assured that all cases will be handled confidentially and resolved promptly.
Voters can directly reach out in case of any obstruction, intimidation, or difficulty in exercising their franchise. Lok Bhavan has also released multiple helpline numbers and email IDs for public access.
Bike Patrols To Counter ‘Bike Bahini’ Intimidation
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Kolkata Police, along with central forces, have begun joint bike patrolling across the city ahead of the elections.
The move is aimed at countering intimidation tactics often carried out by political party workers operating in so-called “bike bahinis” in the run-up to polling. Traditionally, such groups use motorcycles to move quickly across areas and influence or intimidate voters.
This time, security forces are adopting a similar strategy by deploying coordinated bike patrols across Kolkata. Officials say the objective is to ensure rapid mobility, increased visibility, and to deter any attempts at voter intimidation.
According to police sources, this is the first time such large-scale, coordinated bike patrolling has been undertaken in the city as a preventive security measure.
Speaking to News18 Commissioner of Kolkata Ajay Nand said, “We have started bike patrolling where two Kolkata Police officer and 4 CAPF will be there. They will patrol inlanes and bylines reaching every nook and corner of the city . If there is any intimidation in narrow alleys they will address that. This time police will have our bike regiment and we will not allow any bike intimidation.”
