CAPF DGs review preparedness for West Bendal assembly elections in Kolkata

In a display of inter-agency synergy and commitment to the democratic process, the top leadership of the country’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) held a review meeting on the preparation for the West Bendal assembly elections in Kolkata on Sunday.
The high-level meeting was attended by the Directors General (DGs) of CRPF, BSF, CISF, SSB and the ITBP with an aimed to finalizing a robust, technology-driven security architecture for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

The primary objective of the forces is to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election, where every citizen could exercise his/her franchise without fear or intimidation.
With the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23 across 152 constituencies, this joint address serves as a final operational alignment for the thousands of personnel deployed on the ground.

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Following the internal review, a joint meeting was held at the Salt Lake, and the session, initiated by IG CRPF Shalabh Mathur, (State Force Coordinator), brought together the heads of CISF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and the West Bengal Police, alongside the Election Commission Police Advisor.

The leadership reviewed the deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and anti-sabotage checks, ensuring that the “Integrated Security Grid” is prepared to handle potential disruptors in coordination with local law enforcement.
CISF DG Praveer Ranjan said, “Our mission in West Bengal transcends routine security; it is about safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot.”

“To the personnel on the ground, my message is clear: you are the guardians of democracy. We must function not as individual units, but as ‘One Election Force’—cohesive, disciplined, and technologically adept,” he added.
As the state approaches the first phase on April 23, the CAPF leadership emphasized “Leadership by Example.”

The supervisory officers have been tasked with leading from the front to maintain high standards of discipline.
The deployment includes comprehensive surveillance of sensitive pockets and the mandatory use of the Election Duty Handbook by all personnel to ensure full compliance with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines.