Kolkata, December 28, 2025 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned ‘Y-plus’ category armed security cover from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal, officials confirmed on Saturday. The move comes in response to a threat perception report prepared by intelligence agencies, underscoring the sensitive nature of the ongoing electoral process in the state.

The security cover took effect on Friday, December 27, coinciding with the start of the hearing phase under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. This initiative is a critical part of updating and cleaning the electoral rolls ahead of the forthcoming elections in West Bengal. The SIR process involves verification of voter details, removal of duplicate or ineligible entries, and ensuring that electoral rolls are comprehensive and accurate.

Under the new arrangement, CISF personnel will provide round-the-clock security to CEO Agarwal, covering his movements across West Bengal, at his office, and at his residence. The Y-plus category security entails the deployment of armed commandos and close-protection officers, reflecting heightened concerns about potential threats during this politically sensitive period.

The hearing phase of the SIR commenced on December 27 for approximately 32 lakh electors who were unable to trace their names, or the names of their parents or grandparents, in the 2002 electoral roll. During this phase, electoral officials record and verify the identification documents of these ‘unmapped’ electors. The process is scheduled to continue until February 7, 2026, ensuring that all eligible voters are appropriately registered ahead of the elections.

Each Assembly constituency in West Bengal is likely to have 11 hearing tables set up across multiple venues, including schools and government offices. The hearing process is being overseen by 294 electoral registration officers, 3,200 assistant electoral registration officers, 4,600 micro-observers, and over 80,000 booth-level officers, according to sources in the CEO’s office.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also appointed micro-observers from the existing Group B Central government staff in West Bengal to meticulously scrutinize the hearing process. These observers are tasked with monitoring compliance with procedural norms and ensuring that claims, objections, and complaints related to inclusion, deletion, or correction of voter names are addressed transparently.

Officials emphasized that the decision to provide Y-plus armed CISF security to CEO Agarwal is not only precautionary but also essential for the smooth functioning of the SIR drive, given the politically charged atmosphere in the state. The ongoing electoral revision is considered sensitive because it directly impacts the participation of millions of voters and ensures the integrity of the electoral rolls before the Assembly elections.

The SIR exercise itself is a comprehensive and multi-tiered process. At the grassroots level, booth-level officers interact with citizens to verify voter information, identify discrepancies, and correct any errors. Electoral registration officers at higher levels supervise these activities, while hearings provide a platform for citizens to contest omissions or inaccuracies. The involvement of thousands of officials across the state highlights the scale and importance of this electoral initiative.

With the SIR entering the hearing phase, the MHA’s decision to enhance security reflects growing concerns about the safety of election officials, who are responsible for implementing these high-stakes exercises in a politically sensitive environment. The security provision ensures that CEO Agarwal can perform his duties without any threat to his personal safety, while also enabling electoral officers to work efficiently across multiple districts and constituencies.

In addition to physical security, the presence of CISF commandos is expected to deter any potential disruptions or intimidation attempts during the hearings. The Election Commission has been proactive in ensuring that all officials involved in the SIR drive are provided with necessary support and protection, recognizing that the exercise plays a pivotal role in upholding the democratic process.

The SIR is being conducted across all 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal. By February 7, 2026, officials aim to ensure that every eligible elector is accurately registered, thereby reducing the likelihood of disputes during the upcoming elections. The drive is also an opportunity to remove outdated or fraudulent entries, strengthen the integrity of voter lists, and maintain transparency in the electoral process.

The scale of the SIR, combined with the sensitive political environment in West Bengal, has made the security of key election officials, including CEO Manoj Agarwal, a top priority for both the Central and state governments. The Y-plus CISF deployment not only reflects threat assessments but also underscores the seriousness with which the government is approaching the electoral exercise.

In conclusion, the MHA’s decision to provide Y-plus armed CISF security to the West Bengal CEO coincides with a critical phase of the SIR drive, involving claims, objections, and public hearings for millions of unmapped electors. With thousands of officials engaged across the state and micro-observers overseeing proceedings, the security arrangement ensures that the electoral process proceeds safely, efficiently, and without disruption, paving the way for accurate and inclusive voter registration ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.