The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified security measures ahead of vote counting in West Bengal by deploying additional police forces and appointing more counting observers. The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities amid heightened political tensions. Multi-layered security arrangements, including central forces and state police, have been expanded around counting centres. Observers will closely monitor the process to maintain fairness and credibility. The step follows concerns raised by political parties over counting procedures, with authorities emphasizing strict vigilance to guarantee a peaceful and impartial declaration of results on May 4. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has rejected exit poll predictions for the 2026 Assembly elections, calling them an attempt to manipulate the stock market and demoralize Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. She claimed that such projections were circulated under political influence and warned that the “truth” could impact markets. Confident of victory, Banerjee asserted that TMC would win over 200 seats, far exceeding exit poll estimates that suggest a tight contest or BJP advantage. She urged party workers to stay vigilant and trust internal assessments, framing exit polls as misleading narratives ahead of counting day. (PC: PTI)

Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas during repolling at 15 booths, officials said. The repoll was ordered by the Election Commission of India after complaints of malpractice. Voting began peacefully in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour. Tensions rose in Falta, where residents alleged threats. “They said they will burn our houses,” a woman said. Another resident said, “We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us.” Turnout crossed 55% by afternoon. Fresh complaints were also raised over EVM strong room handling. 

Around 55% voter turnout was recorded in two West Bengal seats during repolling on Saturday. Magrahat Paschim saw about 56.3% turnout, while Diamond Harbour recorded 54.6% till 1 pm. Repolling is being held at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas after complaints of EVM tampering. The Election Commission of India ordered fresh voting in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. “Repolls have been ordered in these polling stations,” an official said. Earlier, the poll panel received at least 77 complaints. Issues included taped buttons and ink marks on EVMs, which affected voting.

The Supreme Court of India said the Election Commission of India circular on using central staff for vote counting is “not contrary to rules”. The court made the remark while hearing a plea by the All India Trinamool Congress. The party had challenged the move to appoint central government and PSU staff as counting supervisors. The bench said the ECI can choose personnel from one pool. It added the circular “cannot be said to be incorrect”. The court said party agents will still be present during counting. It declined to give further directions and said the circular will be implemented. (PC: X)

The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea by All India Trinamool Congress against a high court order on vote counting supervisors in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The party has opposed the use of only central and PSU staff. Meanwhile, repolling is underway at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas after complaints of EVM tampering. Voting began at 7 am in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour seats. Officials said 77 complaints were received. Some EVM buttons were taped or marked. The Election Commission of India ordered fresh polling at affected booths. (PC: HT)

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly remarked that no one—not even Maa Durga—can predict the outcome of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, amid intense speculation over exit polls. Responding to media queries, he emphasized that only the official results on counting day will reveal the verdict. While several exit polls suggest the BJP may have an edge, others indicate the possibility of the ruling Trinamool Congress retaining power. Polling for the 294-seat assembly concluded in two phases, with counting scheduled for May 4, keeping political uncertainty high. (PC: Moneycontrol)

Post-election violence has erupted across several districts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas, with incidents of arson, clashes and assaults reported. Supporters of rival parties primarily the All India Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation. Police have detained multiple individuals, deployed additional forces, and initiated investigations to restore order. The unrest comes just days before vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, raising concerns over law and order and the potential for further escalation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that a strongroom storing EVMs was opened without proper authorisation in Bidhannagar, escalating tensions a day after similar claims by the All India Trinamool Congress. BJP leaders have lodged a formal complaint with the local Sub-Divisional Officer, according to reports. In response, six officials have been suspended pending investigation. The controversy comes just days before counting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, intensifying scrutiny over EVM security. Election authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the alleged incident.

The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across South 24 Parganas following complaints of irregularities during the recent West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. The decision follows allegations, primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party, that EVM buttons were tampered with using tape in parts of Falta, alongside complaints of booth jamming and rigging. The EC is yet to decide on additional booths in Falta as investigations continue into reported violations. (PC: PTI)