Kolkata: West Bengal is set to maintain a heavy security presence following the wrap-up of its 2026 assembly elections, with 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) remaining in the state. An Election Commission representative confirmed on Wednesday that this continued deployment is a preventative measure intended to preserve public order and stability during the post-polling transition period, PTI reported.
“As per the EC’s deployment plan issued on March 19, after completion of poll today, 700 companies of CAPF shall continue to remain deployed in the state for security arrangements and law and order duties, till further orders,” the official stated. These units will be concentrated in high-risk zones to bolster local administrative efforts. “The forces will be stationed in sensitive areas and will assist the state administration in maintaining normalcy,” the official said.
This strategy reinforces remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this week that central security personnel would stay in the state for two months following the elections. While the current plan involves a long-term presence, officials noted that the actual intensity and duration of the deployment will be adjusted based on evolving security reports and on-the-ground intelligence.
The conclusion of Wednesday’s voting marked the end of the state’s two-phase electoral schedule, which covered 142 seats in this latest round and 152 seats during the initial phase on April 23. The votes in all 294 assembly seats will be counted on May 4.
