Taldangra to see heaviest security in West Bengal by-elections, polling set for November 13

As West Bengal gears up for by-elections in six assembly constituencies, the Election Commission has outlined a comprehensive security strategy aimed at facilitating a fair electoral process. With the deployment of 89 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the focus is particularly on Taldangra in Bankura district, which will host the largest security contingent of 18 companies. Other constituencies, including Sitai in Cooch Behar and Medinipur in West Midnapore, will each have 16 companies deployed.

Haroa in North 24 Parganas will see the presence of 15 companies, while Madarihat in Alipurduar will have 14 companies. Naihati, also in North 24 Parganas, will have the smallest deployment. The deployment plan involves various security forces: 30 companies from the Border Security Force (BSF), 24 from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 12 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 13 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and 10 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The Election Commission aims to finalize these deployments by October 25, with the potential for additional forces based on security assessments leading up to the elections. In addition to on-ground security, the Election Commission will implement webcasting at all polling stations, a method previously used in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This technology is intended to ensure transparency and provide real-time monitoring of the electoral process, helping to deter any potential irregularities.

These by-elections are necessitated by the vacating of six assembly seats, following the election of their respective MLAs to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 general elections. Out of these constituencies, five were won by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the 2021 assembly elections, while the Madarihat seat was claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The upcoming elections are significant for both major parties, as they reflect the shifting political dynamics in the state. Political analysts suggest that the outcomes could influence future strategies for the TMC and BJP as they prepare for the next state assembly elections in 2026. Voting for these by-elections is set for November 13, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.