Bihar seeks 180 CAPF companies, 2 helicopters to ensure smooth Lok Sabha polls

Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the demand is higher this time. The state had demanded 167 companies in the last parliamentary polls. A CAPF company comprises around 100 paramilitary personnel.

The Bihar government has sought 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and two helicopters to give a boost to anti-Maoist operations ahead of elections in the state’s 40 parliamentary constituencies.

Another senior official said 180 companies had been sought due to higher number of booths this year. The number of booths will be 72,723, an increase of 9,447 booths from the 2014 LS elections. (Parwaz Khan /HT PHOTO)

Compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the demand is higher this time. The state had demanded 167 companies in the last parliamentary polls. A CAPF company comprises around 100 paramilitary personnel.

Official said the state government has asked for supply of helicopters for aerial patrol in view of the Maoist threat in 14 out of the 40 parliamentary constituencies identified as ‘Maoist infested’. These choppers will be used for undertaking rescue operations in case of Maoist attempt to affect polling besides surveying movement of proscribed ultra-left outfits in forest areas, the official added.

Another senior official said 180 companies had been sought due to higher number of booths this year. The number of booths will be 72,723, an increase of 9,447 booths from the 2014 LS elections.

As per the Election Commission’s guideline, central forces will be deployed to guard polling stations and strong rooms to ensure tight vigil during and after polling.

Bihar Police has a strength of 85,000 personnel, which is 40% lower than the national average. Out of the 85000, 15% are deployed for training while over 10,000 are new recruits. The new recruits are not deployed for elections duty.

“To follow the EC guideline, we need additional CAPF. Now, the EC will take the decision as to how many companies of CAPF it will dispatch for Bihar,” said a senior police officer, who did not want to be quoted.

As per government’s own assessment, the law and order situation in Bihar is quite normal with no major Maoist strike reported in the past one year.

The officer said the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) authorities had already been asked to get ready for ensuring effective Indo-Nepal border vigil in the run-up to the elections.

Election Commission officials will tour all the states to review the steps taken by the state government in this regard.