Central Forces to Stay in West Bengal for 60 Days Post-Elections, Assures Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to be stationed in West Bengal for a minimum of 60 days following the Assembly elections. His statement aimed to reassure voters amidst concerns about potential violence, which he referred to as “Didi’s goons,” a term he used to describe the alleged miscreants associated with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is affectionately called ‘Didi’ or elder sister.

In the lead-up to the elections, the Election Commission had deployed approximately 240,000 CAPF personnel throughout the state, with an estimated 500 companies—equating to around 50,000 personnel—set to remain in West Bengal even after the voting concludes. Shah made these assertions during a campaign rally in Behala, South Kolkata, as the state prepared for the second phase of polling scheduled for Wednesday.

Addressing a crowd, Shah requested voters to remain calm and assured them that the BJP would secure victory in the elections. He stated, “Do not worry about the goons; the Election Commission has deployed CAPF at every corner. I am here to say that after the elections, the BJP government will be formed, and CAPF will remain here for an extended period.”

The first phase of polling took place on April 23, with the second phase following shortly after. The counting of votes is set for May 4. Shah’s remarks were outlined to not only bolster the confidence of potential BJP voters but also to assert the party’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process in the state, which has witnessed political tensions in the past.

The BJP, which has been gaining strength in Bengal, aims to capitalize on the discontent surrounding the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Banerjee. The deployment of central forces is viewed as a strategic move to address security concerns and prevent any incidents of violence during the elections. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the presence of these forces may play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the polls.

Source: scroll.in