The preparation for the next round of assembly elections has begun, with the Election Commission (EC) requesting the pre-poll deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) in Maharashtra and Jharkhand where polls are around the corner.
According to an official, initially 100 companies have been requested by EC for Jharkhand and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked forces to deploy the companies. “In pursuance of the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s communication sent this week, it has been decided to initially deploy 100 companies of CAPFs for area domination, confidence-building measures, conduct of flag marches, surveillance, etc., during the election process in the state of Jharkhand,” a senior government official said, quoting a document.
The official said the deployment will be complete by October 14. CRPF has been asked to send 35 companies, followed by BSF (25), CISF (10), ITBP (15), and SSB (15). The de-induction of the above 100 companies of CAPFs will be communicated in due course.
Sources said this is the initial deployment of forces and it is expected that once the EC announces the election dates — anticipated in the next week — more troops will be deployed.
For Maharashtra, no pre-poll deployment has been finalised so far but troop movement will begin after the announcement of the election schedule as the CAPFs are already available in the state. Sources claimed that since Maharashtra is a large state, CAPFs will be deployed in two phases.
“The state government has been asked to work out the detailed deployment plan in consultation with the respective CAPFs and the Chief Force Coordinator, who holds the rank of IG in CRPF. The movement and deployment of CAPFs shall be coordinated by CRPF. Necessary transportation, logistics, accommodation, and other arrangements required for the deployment of CAPFs within the state, as per the forces’ requirements, will be arranged by the states,” a government official said.
Food Issue on Trains
Meanwhile, MHA officials have been receiving complaints about poor or no availability of food for CAPFs during journeys on special trains. In a recent incident, food was not supplied for 18 hours, which triggered a controversy. Earlier, guidelines were issued regarding the train journeys of CAPFs and the Railway Ministry has been asked to look into the matter.
“CRPF has been asked to approach the Railway Board immediately for arrangements of special trains/coaches, etc., for the movement of these forces. Food must be arranged at any cost for the jawans without fail,” a top-level official said.
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