Security tightened across West Bengal as Election Commission increases central forces to protect EVMs, strongrooms, and counting centres ahead of vote counting.
Election Commission increases central force deployment for Security; detailed counting plan finalized for 294 seats
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | April 30, 2026
Security arrangements across West Bengal have been significantly strengthened as the state prepares for the crucial vote counting process following the completion of polling. The Election Commission has stepped up deployment of central forces to safeguard Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), strongrooms, and counting centres, ensuring that the entire प्रक्रिया remains secure and transparent.
According to official sources, Security measures now include an increased presence of central armed forces beyond the earlier deployment of 200 companies. These forces are strategically positioned to prevent any breach and to maintain strict vigilance over sensitive locations where EVMs are stored and votes will be counted.
Out of the previously deployed forces, around 100 companies belong to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 20 companies from the Border Security Force (BSF), 15 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and another 15 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Each strongroom is guarded by a minimum of 24 armed personnel, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring.
This year, the Election Commission has reduced the number of counting centres compared to previous elections. Votes for all 294 Assembly constituencies will be counted at 87 centres across the state. In comparison, counting was conducted at 90 centres in 2016 and expanded to 108 centres during the 2021 elections.
A total of 202 strongrooms are currently storing EVMs, guarded by 607 sections of central forces. North 24 Parganas, which has the highest number of Assembly seats at 33, will have counting conducted across eight different centres. Similarly, South 24 Parganas will see counting for its 31 constituencies spread over 12 centres.
In Kolkata, votes for 11 Assembly constituencies will be counted at five designated venues. Other districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, Hooghly, and Howrah also have multiple counting centres allocated based on the number of constituencies.
The Commission has emphasized that these reinforced security arrangements are aimed at ensuring a smooth and credible counting process. With tight monitoring, layered security, and increased personnel deployment, authorities aim to eliminate any possibility of tampering or disruption during the final and most निर्णायक phase of the election.
