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Why will central forces remain in West Bengal even after assembly elections?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated central forces would stay in West Bengal for 60 more days after the assembly polls. The article notes the first and second phase voting in April 2026, large-scale CAPF deployment, and references post-poll violence in 2021 to contextualize security concerns.
Why It Matters
The statement signals the central government’s security posture and could influence post-election dynamics in a highly contested state.
Timeline
6 Events
Second and final phase voting in West Bengal
April 29, 2026
The second and final phase of West Bengal’s assembly elections was scheduled to be held on April 29.
Amit Shah rally in Behala; calls for voting without fear
April 27, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally in West Bengal’s Behala, urged voters to vote on April 29 without fear of ‘Didi’s goons,’ and asserted that central forces would remain in the state for 60 more days after polls. He also reiterated the plan to implement the Uniform Civil Code and threatened action against infiltrators and those involved in political violence after May 4.
Campaigning for the second and final phase concluded
April 27, 2026
Campaigning for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections concluded, with 142 constituencies set to vote on April 29.
First phase of West Bengal assembly elections held
April 23, 2026
The first phase of voting was held in 152 constituencies for the 294-member assembly.
500 CAPF companies to remain deployed post-poll
April 2026
The Election Commission said as many as 500 CAPF companies will remain deployed across West Bengal for post-poll law and order duties after the declaration of results, staying till further orders. Each CAPF company comprises about 100 personnel; around 2.5 lakh CAPF personnel were deployed for the assembly polls.
Post-poll unrest in West Bengal following 2021 assembly results
May 2, 2021
Following the declaration of the 2021 West Bengal assembly results, widespread violence broke out across multiple districts, with reports of killings, arson, looting, assaults, sexual violence, and the forced displacement of opposition workers, particularly amid clashes between BJP and TMC supporters.