India, April 15 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed that central forces will take charge of maintaining security at polling booths during the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal.

Around 2,407 companies of central forces, comprising over 1.92 lakh personnel, will be deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of voting and safeguard the electoral process.

The poll panel has introduced a significant operational change by placing central forces directly in charge of polling booths.

Earlier, presiding officers, who are state officials, controlled booths, and central personnel could intervene only upon request.

Under the revised framework, central forces will independently secure polling stations, includi...