Unprecedented security in Bengal for first phase of elections

West Bengal is witnessing unprecedented security arrangements ahead of the first phase of elections on Thursday. The Election Commission has deployed over 2.4 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel, a significant increase compared to the 2021 elections. A total of 2,407 companies of central forces are stationed for the two phases scheduled on April 23 and April 29. Heavy deployments are concentrated in districts including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Malda. The Election Commission has also imposed strict restrictions, banning motorcycle rallies and restricting motorbike movement between 6 AM and 6 PM, with exemptions for gig workers and emergencies. Non-voters are barred from residential complexes housing polling booths, and outsiders cannot stay in coastal towns like Digha. Liquor shops in polling areas are closed for four days. While the Trinamool Congress accuses the Election Commission of acting at the centre's behest, the Bharatiya Janata Party maintains that these measures are necessary to prevent poll violence. Over 3.6 crore eligible voters will decide the fate of more than a thousand candidates.