Tight security arrangement has been made for fifth and sixth phases of election in West Bengal when Maoist-affected Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore and parts of Burdwan would go to the hustings.
Apart from state forces, around 550 to 600 companies of central paramilitary forces would be deployed in the 38 constituencies where polling would be held in the fifth phase on May 7, Election office sources here said today.
In the sixth and last phase of polling on May 10 the number of central forces deployed would be increased to 660, the sources said adding aerial surveillance would be carried out by three helicopters during the phase.
A meeting of senior district police officers was held with senior district police, including SPs, DIGs, IGs and Divisional Commissioners of the concerned districts were held during the day to review the poll preparedness, Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta said.
Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra Debashish Chakraborty has been appointed special observer for the two phases.
Chakraborty would arrive in the state on May 5 and stay till the end of elections, Gupta added.
