Kolkata:

Around 25,000 central force personnel will be deployed in the first phase of elections to three Lok Sabha constituencies in northern West Bengal on April 19, an official said on Saturday.

The first phase of voting will be held in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha seats.

“Around 250 companies of central forces will be deployed in the first phase of elections on April 19. A control room will be set up in each district and will be manned by a senior officer,” the official said.

There are about 100 personnel in one company of the Central Armed Police Force, which means around 25,000 personnel will be deployed to contest the elections to these three seats.

Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab said all measures are being taken to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections in the state.

“No disturbance will be tolerated,” he said.

He also urged leaders to “control” the rhetoric they make during the campaign.

“If compliance is not followed, the Election Commission will take immediate action. Political parties should not use anyone under the age of 18 during campaigning,” he said.

He added that more than Rs 68 crore in cash has been seized from various parts of the state so far.

Aftab will hold a virtual meeting with returning officials on Monday, officials said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)