West Bengal is heading for a high-stakes battle with two-time Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee facing a tough challenge from the BJP. The state will vote in eight phases between 27 March and 29 April. As a state that is prone to widespread violence during election season, the role of paramilitary forces to maintain peace becomes paramount. CRPF DG Kuldeep Singh spoke to The Sunday Guardian on the issue. Excerpts:
Q: How big of an assignment is the Bengal elections for the CRPF?
A: The elections in West Bengal are always hyped and this time, it is taking place in eight phases. The reason for that is so the forces can be used properly in all the phases and we aren’t spread thin. This will give the people a sense of confidence for free and fair elections.
Q: How many companies of CRPF have been deployed for the elections?
A: There are nearly 350 companies being used during the elections. Overall, for all states going to polls, the Election Commission has authorised 725 companies. Out of this, more than 475 have already been sent out, the rest are on their way.
Q: It has been said that West Bengal Police has been politicised. How big a challenge will that be for the CRPF in the state?
A: Politicisation of police is an allegation that is raised in every state and election, but whatever we have needed from the state police and administration, we have got.
Q: There have been crude bomb attacks in many places of West Bengal. How do you see that?
A: Those who are powerful in a particular place do such activities to keep a hold of their power. As far as we are concerned, once we land in a place, we take over completely and show enough deployment, alertness to scare away anti-social elements. It also leads to confidence-building among the general public. Of course, people do make crude bombs and even use them in places, but that doesn’t mean we have failed in dominating the area; it just shows us where all we need to improve further.