‘Adequate' Central forces to stay back after counting

“Nearly all political parties have expressed concern”

In a measure described as “unprecedented” by Election Commission officials, “adequate” Central security forces will stay back in West Bengal for ten days after the day of counting to ensure that no political clashes broke out after the election process.

State's Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta said on Monday that nearly all political parties and senior officials of the Election Commission had expressed concerns about the possibility of post-poll violence to Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi.

“Nearly all political parties have expressed apprehensions. This is why it has been decided that even after the counting has been completed, adequate security forces will be there in every district,” he said.

Mr. Gupta said the Central forces would be retained until May 23.