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First Person: Mamata Banerjee vs Suvendu Adhikari, From The Counting Centre
A report from the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School in Kolkata details a tense day of vote counting for Bhabanipur, marked by heavy security, early morning arrivals, and late-evening developments including Mamata Banerjee's appearance and contentious exchanges between party agents.
Why It Matters
The account captures a high-stakes electoral moment in West Bengal, illustrating security concerns, party tensions, and the rhythm of live counting during a closely watched contest.
Timeline
5 Events
Journalists leave after a long day; streets echo with chants
May 4, 2026
Around 10:00 pm, after about 15-16 hours at the centre, journalists began their return journey. As they exited onto the main road, Kolkata’s streets echoed with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' while security and media personnel made their way home.
Mamata Banerjee arrives at the counting centre
May 4, 2026
In the evening, word spread that Mamata Banerjee was arriving at the counting centre. As she entered the building, a hush fell outside. Exhausted media and security personnel sat on the road, and announcements over loudspeakers ceased.
Tensions rise as counting progress pauses; party agents clash
May 4, 2026
After some time, agents from certain parties were seen leaving the counting centre. Journalists chased them and were told that the counting of votes had halted. Agents from the Trinamool Congress emerged, accusing a BJP leader of forcibly evicting them. The atmosphere grew tense, with arguments breaking out between BJP and Trinamool agents.
Counting begins; initial trends shown on screens
May 4, 2026
Counting began at 8:00 am. Initial trends trickled in on television screens set up for the media, with Bhabanipur trends among the results being displayed as part of the live tally.
Early arrival and security build-up at counting centre
May 4, 2026
At 5:00 am, reporters arrived at the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial Girls' School with a camera colleague. Dawn was breaking, and security personnel were deployed across the premises, including central security forces, Kolkata Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the Border Security Force (BSF). The media were positioned at a distance of 100 metres from the building after a period of back-and-forth with authorities.