With preparations for the 2026 assembly elections in Kerala in full swing, central forces have started arriving in the state as part of security measures.
Thirty units of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have arrived in Kerala, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar said. They represent the “first installment” and more companies are expected in the coming days, Mr. Kelkar said, adding that CAPF companies are working with the state police to deploy them.
“Our demand has been discussed with the Election Commission of India (EC) and it has taken note of our proposal. The EC will sanction more forces based on availability and our requirements,” Kelkar said. The deployment of the Central Force is completed by the Director General, State Police Nodal Officer and CAPF Coordinator.
A meeting of collectors
On Friday, Mr. Kelkar met the District Collectors (who are also the District Election Officers) in Thiruvananthapuram to review the polling preparedness. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar visited the state earlier this month to review the poll arrangements. “The EC wants this to be the best election Kerala has seen and a model one. As part of this, we have identified where we need to improve and act accordingly,” Mr. Kelkar said after a meeting with the Collectors on Friday.
Earlier, election officials completed 30,471 polling stations for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Steps are being taken to ensure minimum facilities in them and to move stations in dilapidated buildings to new locations.
A few days ago, Mr. Kelkar issued a circular asking political parties, candidates and other individuals to avoid undesirable tendencies like defacement of public property during election campaign.
Published – 13 March 2026 19:55 IST
