India, March 17 -- The Election Commission may deploy 2,000 to 2,500 companies of central armed police forces for each phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections to ensure free and fair polling, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, Agarwal said the Commission is prepared to take an unprecedented approach to the deployment of central forces during the two-phase elections.

"Our only target is to ensure free and fair elections. Around 2,000 to 2,500 companies of central forces may be required in each phase," Agarwal said.

Each company of central forces typically consists of 100 to 135 personnel. He said the forces would play a crucial role in maintaining order on polling day and...