Security forces deployed for the West Bengal Assembly elections will remain in the state for an extended period amid concerns over possible post-poll violence following the BJP’s landslide victory over the Trinamool Congress.
According to security officials, the deployment will continue for the next few weeks to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to stop political targeting of rival party workers and supporters.
“The forces that have been stationed in the state will remain there for a few days. It is important to ensure the law and order is not disrupted by either the TMC or the BJP workers,” a security establishment officer said.
The BJP crossed the 200-seat mark in the Assembly election, defeating the ruling Trinamool Congress. Party leadership is said to have instructed cadres to maintain restraint after the victory.
Officials said the number of personnel would gradually be reduced, but a sizeable contingent would continue to remain in the state, particularly in sensitive areas.
Another officer said there were concerns about possible “triumphant violence” by some BJP workers despite appeals for calm from the party leadership.
“The BJP cadres have not been imported from outside. They are groomed in the same culture of violent electoral dynamics of the state,” the officer said, adding that monitoring rural areas would remain a challenge.
Officials noted that while urban areas are easier to monitor, maintaining comprehensive surveillance in rural parts of Bengal is more difficult.
The Election Commission had deployed more than 2.5 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel in West Bengal during the polls, making it one of the largest security deployments for an election in the state.
The deployment is significant given that the total strength of CAPFs is just over 9 lakh personnel, with nearly one-third already engaged in border duties.