Election Commission Criticizes Security Deployment in West Bengal

The Election Commission has raised concerns over the deployment of more than 2,100 police personnel in West Bengal, tasked with securing nearly 1,000 individuals linked to the ruling TMC. The Commission has urged a reevaluation of this arrangement, ensuring fair and equitable security provisions ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.

The Election Commission has expressed grave concerns over the deployment of over 2,100 police personnel in West Bengal. These officers are currently tasked with providing security to nearly 1,000 individuals, many of whom are directly or indirectly linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Officials on Friday revealed that the poll authority has urged the state's police chief to critically examine the security arrangement. This directive comes as assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled to take place in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting planned for May 4.

Before the elections were announced on March 15, the state government had allocated 2,185 police officers to secure 832 people affiliated with the TMC and 144 other supporters. The Election Commission has labeled this as a 'serious lapse,' demanding an impartial review to ensure fair security distribution.

(With inputs from agencies.)