Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Central forces start arriving in State as part of security arrangements

With preparations in full swing for the 2026 Assembly polls in Kerala, Central forces have started arriving in the State as part of the security arrangements.

Thirty companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have arrived in Kerala, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar said. They constitute “the first instalment” and more companies are expected in the coming days, Mr. Kelkar said, adding that the CAPF companies are working with the State Police on their deployment.

“Our requirement has been discussed with the Election Commission of India (EC) and they have taken note of our proposal. The EC will sanction more forces based on availability and our requirements,” Mr. Kelkar said. The deployment of Central forces is finalised by the CEO, the State Police nodal officer, and the CAPF coordinator.

Meeting Collectors

On Friday, Mr. Kelkar met District Collectors (who are also District Election Officers) in Thiruvananthapuram to assess the poll preparedness. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had visited the State earlier this month to review the poll arrangements. “The EC wants this to be the best elections Kerala has seen and a model one. As part of that we have identified where we need to improve and act upon,” Mr. Kelkar said after Friday’s meeting with the Collectors.

Earlier, election officials had finalised 30,471 polling stations for the upcoming Assembly polls. Steps are being taken to ensure the assured minimum facilities in them and to shift stations in dilapidated buildings to new locations.

A few days ago, Mr. Kelkar had issued a circular asking political parties, candidates and other individuals to avoid undesirable tendencies such as defacement of public property during the election campaign.