The Election Commission is proactively preparing for the post-results scenario in West Bengal by retaining around 70,000 central forces personnel in the state. This decision aims to ensure vigilance, particularly in areas with a history of post-poll violence. Rigid measures will be enforced against any attempts to target political opponents, echoing concerns from the violent aftermath of the 2021 elections.
In anticipation of potential unrest, control rooms will be established at the Election Commission’s headquarters, Nirvachan Sadan, and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Bengal. These centers will monitor developments on counting day, May 4, and facilitate immediate response to any incidents.
The 2021 elections in West Bengal were marred by significant violence, with the Director General of Police’s report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) detailing 1,934 incidents, including murder, sexual assault, arson, and grievous bodily harm. Specifically, the report recorded 29 murders, 12 sexual assaults, 391 cases of grievous hurt, 940 instances of arson and vandalism, and 562 reports of intimidation. Despite 9,304 individuals being accused, only 1,345 arrests were made, while around 60% of complaints did not result in registered First Information Reports (FIRs).
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) recently filed in the Supreme Court has called for the establishment of a high-level monitoring committee, led by a retired judge, to oversee law and order in West Bengal. The petition also urged the state government to ensure adequate central forces personnel are deployed in vulnerable regions to maintain peace.
