Historic CAPF Deployment for Bihar Elections: 1,000 Companies to Ensure Unprecedented Security

In an extraordinary move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 1,000 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies across Bihar, marking the largest security operation in the state’s electoral history. This record-breaking deployment aims to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful polling during the upcoming Bihar assembly elections 2025.

According to official sources, the Bihar government initially sought the deployment of 1,800 CAPF units to secure all 243 constituencies during polling on November 6 and 11. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that counting of votes will be held on November 14.

The MHA’s latest directive comes after an in-depth assessment of the ground situation in Bihar. The order, issued on October 8, requires all units to be fully stationed by October 15. “Each CAPF company must arrive equipped with complete anti-riot gear including shields, body protectors, shin guards, lathis, gas guns, tear gas grenades, smoke candles, rubber bullets, and plastic pellets,” an MHA source confirmed.

Breakdown of CAPF Deployment Across Forces

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will contribute the largest contingent with 250 companies, followed by 141 from the Border Security Force (BSF), 85 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and 75 from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Additionally, 449 companies will come from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Approximately 129 CRPF companies are being newly mobilized from across India, including sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala. Some operational units from J&K are being temporarily reassigned to Bihar for the election period.

Record-Breaking Security Setup for Bihar Elections

This move surpasses last year’s record deployment in West Bengal during the lok Sabha elections, where around 920 CAPF companies were stationed — previously the highest for any state or Union Territory, including Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur.

Each CAPF company typically consists of 70–80 personnel equipped for field operations. To manage the large-scale mobilization, the Railway Board has been directed to arrange special trains and coaches on priority, ensuring the safe and timely transportation of thousands of security personnel to Bihar.

The MHA’s decision highlights the government’s focus on ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections in Bihar. With 1,000 CAPF companies on the ground — double the previous record — the state is set to experience one of the most secure electoral processes in its history.