The Union Home Ministry has approved the final 485 companies of the central force for the panchayat elections, bringing the total to 822 companies, the West Bengal State Election Commission informed the Calcutta High Court on Monday.
SEC counsel expressed concern about 4,834 booths, or 7.8% of the total 61,636 booths, that were identified as sensitive.
The BJP filed a complaint with the High Court on the incidence of violence that occurred during nomination for the West Bengal panchayat elections.
The BJP further asserts that in defiance of the court’s directive, central forces are not being deployed. The state administration was ordered by the Calcutta High Court to use central forces in the panchayat elections in its decision from Tuesday. Specifically, directives were given to hold panchayat elections in seven districts with central forces present.
The plea was submitted by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, the state president of the Congress, and opposition leader Shubhendu Adhikari.
