More than two months ahead of the election in Kolkata, the forces of central paramilitary forces started their area domination exercise in the city. The force personnel could be seen in many parts of the city, including neighbourhoods of deep south in Behala, Naktala, Bansdroni and Reagent Park. In west Kolkata, the forces could be seen in Watganj and Metiabruz with officials of Kolkata police.

Trinamool Congress [TMC] questioned the “intention” of the flag march, months before the polling in Kolkata. “The central forces could be seen on television asking a woman about her son. Is that what they should do? One can understand the intention,” asked Partha Chatterjee, secretary general of TMC.

The TMC is planning to raise the issue with the Election Commission.

Minister and TMC leader, Firhad Hakim said that while they have “no problem” with the central forces conducting flag march in the city, they expect “neutral” actions from the forces.

“The State has got 135 Companies of paramilitary forces. We did not get such a force when there were [Maoist] problems in the Jungle Mahal. We do not have any issues with the central forces, but they should remain neutral and should not commit themselves to any particular party,” Mr Hakim said.

The BJP, on the other hand, welcomed the central forces. “We want central forces to stay…so that everyone can vote peacefully,” said BJP’s spokesperson Sayantan Basu.