The Election Commission of India is set to deploy 2,407 companies of central armed police forces for the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on April 23. The deployment is aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, particularly in areas with a history of electoral violence. Murshidabad district will see the largest presence with 316 companies, while Purba Medinipur will have 273 companies due to its political significance. The elections will occur in two phases, covering a total of 294 assembly seats. The Commission has emphasized the importance of security, stating that adequate measures have been taken to allow voters to cast their votes without fear. Central forces have already begun route marches to instill confidence among the electorate as campaigning intensifies across the state.