The highest number of CAPFs personnel, totaling 92,000, are expected to be stationed in the politically charged state of West Bengal, followed by 63,500 personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, which is grappling with militancy issues, and 36,000 personnel in Naxal-affected Chhattisgarh.
In response to requests from state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), the Election Commission has decided to gradually deploy approximately 3,400 companies of CAPFs across all states and Union territories to ensure the smooth conduct of free and fair elections. Each CAPF company typically consists of around 100 personnel, with the full mobilization of forces expected to be completed in the coming days.
The assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will coincide with the Lok Sabha polls. It is anticipated that a maximum of 920 companies of CAPFs will be deployed in West Bengal, followed by 635 companies in Jammu and Kashmir, 360 companies in Chhattisgarh, and varying numbers in other states.
The CAPFs encompass agencies like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra
Seema Bal (SSB), and National Security Guard (NSG), with a combined strength of around 10 lakh personnel.
Preparations are already in motion for the deployment of a significant number of CAPFs in states like Gujarat, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and others. Forces designated for West Bengal, areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), and Jammu and Kashmir have already arrived at their designated locations.
The mobilization of forces for sensitive and hyper-sensitive constituencies began on March 1, with about 2,000 companies being deployed for pre-poll duties. Approximately 1.5 lakh personnel are expected to travel via roads and railways for this mobilization, with the Railways ensuring seamless transportation with appropriate facilities.
The CAPF personnel will undertake various election-related tasks such as area dominance, confidence-building measures, guarding of electronic voting machines, and security at counting and strong room centers during the electoral process.