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)

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim constituencies following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting. The affected booths include 11 in Magrahat Paschim and 4 in Diamond Harbour, where polling was declared void. Fresh voting will be conducted on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm. The decision comes after reports of violence, alleged EVM tampering, and disruptions at polling stations. West Bengal witnessed a high voter turnout exceeding 90%, though the election process was marred by incidents in certain areas. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (PC: PTI)

Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 near counting centres in Kolkata after clashes between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers. Gatherings are banned in seven areas. The move follows allegations of EVM tampering by TMC. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said there is “no scope for wrongdoing” and all strong rooms are sealed. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is “under surveillance”. Officials said strict security is in place before counting. (PC: PTI)

Police have banned gatherings in parts of Kolkata ahead of vote counting on May 4. The move follows clashes between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers near counting centres. Strong rooms storing EVMs have been heavily secured. Extra police and central forces have been deployed. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited a centre and stayed for hours. Officials denied claims of tampering. They said all EVMs are sealed and safe. Authorities said strict steps are needed to maintain peace during counting. (PC: ANI)

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, said strict vigil is in place at the Bhabanipur strongroom and claimed Mamata Banerjee is “under surveillance” after her late-night visit. He said a BJP polling agent was present to ensure transparency. Security has been increased at Netaji Indoor Stadium ahead of May 4 counting. The Trinamool Congress alleged ballot boxes were opened without authorised representatives and staged protests. The Election Commission denied the claims, saying procedures were followed. TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh raised concerns, while BJP leaders rejected the allegations and accused TMC of spreading misinformation. (PC: HT)