EC Deploys 480 CAPF Companies in Bengal Before Poll Dates: A First

• Election Commission of India (ECI) initiates unprecedented deployment of 480 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in West Bengal ahead of 2026 assembly election announcement.
• This marks the first time central forces are deployed in the state prior to the official declaration of the election schedule.
• Deployment will occur in two phases: 240 companies by March 1, 2026, and another 240 by March 10, 2026.
• Forces will be used for area domination, confidence-building measures, poll-day duties, and security of EVMs, strong rooms, and counting centers.
• CRPF will coordinate deployment; state government directed to provide logistics and accommodation for the forces.