Bihar – In a significant security initiative ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, the Centre has deployed 500 advanced pre-poll companies of the Central Armed Police Forces across the state, official sources confirmed on Tuesday. This CAPF deployment Bihar elections operation marks the beginning of a comprehensive phased plan to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the polls scheduled for November 6 and 11.
The massive security arrangement underscores the importance of maintaining law and order in one of India’s most politically significant states, where 243 constituencies will go to the polls in two phases.
Phased Deployment Strategy
According to official sources, the initial CAPF deployment Bihar elections involves 500 companies, but this number is expected to increase substantially as the polling dates approach. The total number of CAPF companies positioned in Bihar during the entire electoral exercise is likely to be between 1,200 and 1,800, depending on the final assessment by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Bihar government has reportedly sought the deployment of 1,800 CAPF companies to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful voting across all constituencies. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs is yet to finalize the total strength that will be sanctioned for election duty.
Composition of Security Forces
The current CAPF deployment Bihar elections comprises personnel from multiple central security organizations. Of the over 500 advanced companies already positioned, approximately 121 companies are from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while around 400 companies have been drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF). This deployment represents more than 50,000 personnel on the ground.
Additionally, contingents from other forces including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been included in the security arrangement. These forces bring specialized expertise in maintaining law and order during sensitive operations.
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Strategic Selection Process
According to sources, the CAPF companies are being selected from different battalions across India based on availability and operational requirements. “The CAPF companies are being picked from different battalions of these forces from across India as per availability,” an official source stated.
This strategic selection ensures that the most suitable and available units are deployed to Bihar, taking into account their current operational commitments and readiness levels.
Key Responsibilities and Objectives
The CAPF deployment Bihar elections aims to supplement local police forces and maintain strict vigilance in sensitive and vulnerable areas identified by the Election Commission. The central forces will be assigned multiple critical responsibilities throughout the election period.
These responsibilities include area domination exercises, conducting flag marches in sensitive zones, and implementing confidence-building measures among voters in the run-up to the polls. The presence of central forces is expected to deter potential law and order disturbances and ensure voters can exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
Timeline and Decision-Making
The deployment process was expedited immediately after the Election Commission of India declared on Monday that Bihar elections would be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting of votes and results scheduled for November 14.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to decide on the final deployment of total CAPF companies by Wednesday, following completion of its assessment in coordination with the Election Commission and the Bihar administration. This decision will determine whether the deployment reaches the requested figure of 1,800 companies or settles at a different strength based on ground realities and available resources.
Current Political Landscape
The CAPF deployment Bihar elections comes as the 243-member Bihar Assembly approaches the end of its term on November 22. The current assembly composition shows a closely contested political environment that necessitates robust security arrangements.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance currently holds 131 seats, including the BJP with 80 seats, JD(U) with 45 seats, HAM(S) with 4 seats, and two Independents. Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan bloc occupies 111 seats, consisting of the RJD with 77 seats, Congress with 19 seats, CPI(ML) with 11 seats, CPI(M) with 2 seats, and CPI with 2 seats.
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
The comprehensive CAPF deployment Bihar elections strategy reflects the government’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections in the state. With the deployment of such substantial security forces, authorities aim to create an environment where voters can exercise their democratic rights without any hindrance.
The phased approach of CAPF deployment Bihar elections allows for flexibility in responding to ground situations and ensures adequate security coverage across all 243 constituencies during both phases of polling.
Coordination with State Machinery
The CAPF deployment Bihar elections will work in close coordination with state police and local administration to ensure seamless security operations. This collaborative approach is essential for effective management of the vast geographical area and diverse security challenges that Bihar presents during elections.
As the final assessment continues, the CAPF deployment Bihar elections represents one of the largest security operations for state assembly polls, demonstrating the Centre’s resolve to facilitate a smooth democratic process in Bihar.
