Central forces to stay in Bengal for 60 more days after polls: Shah

KOLKATA: (Apr 27) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said central forces would remain deployed in West Bengal for 60 more days after the assembly elections, asserting that people should vote without fear of “Didi’s goons” in the final phase of polling.

Shah made the remarks while addressing a gathering after leading a massive road show in Behala, where voting will take place in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on April 29. The first phase of elections to the 294-member assembly was held on April 23, which recorded an all-time high turnout of 93 per cent. Votes will be counted on May 4.

“Brothers and sisters, go and vote on the 29th, do not worry about Didi’s (Mamata Banerjee’s) goons. The Election Commission has deployed CAPF at every nook and corner, and I am telling you that even though the BJP will come to power after the elections, central forces will remain here for 60 more days,” he said.