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EC official: counting in West Bengal will be free and fair; no unrest ahead of May 4
Ahead of the May 4 counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly, the Election Commission and state officials pledged security and a smooth, free-and-fair process. Security around strongrooms was tightened, and a Falta repolling order was issued for May 21 with counting on May 24.
Why It Matters
The assurances come as counting in a politically sensitive state proceeds amid tensions and past concerns of irregularities, including a repoll in Falta. The handling of security and repoll decisions are critical to public confidence in the process.
Timeline
5 Events
Counting scheduled for May 4; EC promises peaceful process
May 4, 2026
Counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled to take place on May 4, with the EC assuring a peaceful process and guarding against irregularities.
EC orders Falta repolling; details announced
May 3, 2026
The Election Commission ordered fresh repolling in Falta to be conducted on May 21, citing severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of polling on April 29. Repolling will take place across all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations, from 7 AM to 6 PM on May 21, with votes counted on May 24. Security was increased outside the chief electoral officer's office and in Falta.
Security tightened around strongrooms ahead of results
May 3, 2026
Security was tightened across strongrooms in West Bengal, with heavy force deployed outside locations in Kolkata, including the Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School in Bhabanipur and Netaji Indoor Stadium, as authorities prepared for the May 4 results.
EC official: counting will be free and fair; fully prepared
May 3, 2026
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the counting would be conducted in a free and fair manner and that the state is fully prepared, with no unrest expected. He stated, 'There will be no unrest anywhere. Tomorrow's counting will take place peacefully.' Special electoral roll observer Subrata Gupta said preparations were complete, adding that central government employees along with some state government employees would be present during vote counting.
CRPF DG inspection of Nehru Stadium strongroom ahead of counting
May 2, 2026
CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Special Director General Vitul Kumar carried out an inspection of the Nehru Stadium strongroom in Kolkata ahead of the counting of votes. This occurred in the context of TMC allegations that BJP, in collusion with the EC, might attempt to open ballot boxes without the presence of relevant stakeholders.