Kolkata (PTI): The West Bengal government has sought nearly 20 companies of central forces to intervene in any major post-poll violence in the state.

"The state government has sought 18 to 20 companies of para-military forces so that they can be used in the event of any major violence. But there is no response from the Centre yet," state chief secretary Asok Mohan Chakraborty told reporters here on Monday.

The district magistrates and superintendents of police have been instructed to take appropriate action to prevent any post-poll violence in the state, the chief secretary said, adding that leaders of political parties have also been asked to take steps to avoid clashes.