The counting of votes for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections began at 8 am on Monday (May 4) amid extraordinary security arrangements across the state, as the battle between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party entered its decisive phase.
Authorities have imposed a three-layer security system at counting centres, especially in politically sensitive districts where fears of post-poll unrest remain high. The heightened deployment comes after an intensely polarised campaign and concerns over possible violence as results start taking shape.
Birbhum under special watch, 37 companies deployed
Among the most closely watched districts is Birbhum, where security has been significantly reinforced. Superintendent of Police Surya Pratap Yadav confirmed that a total of 37 companies of security personnel have been deployed across the district.
The district has often remained politically sensitive, and authorities appear determined to avoid any escalation during counting.
The main counting centre in Birbhum has been set up at Saud Ramkrishna Silpa Vidyapith. Since early morning, counting agents and party workers from different political formations began arriving outside the venue.
A strict access control mechanism has been put in place. Every individual entering the premises is being frisked and screened thoroughly before being allowed inside.
“A three-tier security arrangement is already in place at the counting centre, all our officers are on duty. People are being allowed inside only after checking. Three companies are deployed at each counting centre here,” SP Yadav said.
He added that the wider district deployment was aimed at maintaining law and order in view of the tense post-poll environment.
“In the whole district, a total of 37 companies were deployed in view of the post-poll situation. We hope that everything will be fine,” he said.
Kolkata on high alert
Security arrangements have also been tightened in Kolkata, where authorities remain on high alert as counting progresses.
Additional Commissioner of Police Ashesh Biswas said the city police had followed all instructions laid down by the Election Commission of India.
“As per the ECI guidelines, we have done a proper three-layer security arrangement. We have a reserve force as well. If needed, we will use them,” Biswas said.
The presence of reserve forces indicates that authorities are prepared to respond swiftly to any unexpected disruption.
Kolkata remains politically crucial, not only because of its symbolic value but also because several closely contested constituencies in and around the city could influence the broader narrative of the election.
Security tightened in North Bengal too
The security focus is not limited to south Bengal. In Siliguri, police officials also expressed confidence in a peaceful counting process.
Police Commissioner Syed Waqar Raza said all arrangements had been put in place to ensure that counting proceeds smoothly.
“Everything will be done peacefully. All things are in proper order. Frisking is being done here, and there is a three-tier security system, and we hope that everything goes fine,” he said.
The multi-layered security structure in Siliguri reflects the administration’s attempt to keep both north and south Bengal under close watch during one of the state’s most politically charged counting days.
Counting begins for 294 Seats, But Falta remains an exception
The counting process formally began at 8 am for all 294 Assembly constituencies. However, the politically sensitive Falta constituency remains an exception.
The Election Commission ordered a complete repoll in all booths of Falta after allegations of serious irregularities during voting. That decision made Falta one of the most controversial flashpoints of the election.
The repoll has added another layer of suspense to the final outcome, especially if the overall result turns out to be close.
Early friction at counting centre
Even as counting began under tight supervision, minor tensions were reported from one of the counting centres.
A polling agent from the Trinamool Congress alleged discriminatory treatment, claiming that party representatives were not being treated equally.
“They are not allowing us to take files or pens inside, but the BJP polling agents are allowed to take them inside. Rules should be the same for everyone. We are the people of Mamata Banerjee. There is no bigger identity than this,” the agent said.
The allegation was immediately rejected by BJP representatives, who countered that the issue had nothing to do with bias but with procedural compliance.
“They are not carrying their ID cards,” a BJP polling agent said.
While the dispute remained minor, it underscored the high political tension surrounding the counting process and the mutual distrust that continues to define the contest between the two principal rivals.
This year’s West Bengal election has largely been seen as a direct contest between the ruling TMC led by Mamata Banerjee and the BJP’s state leadership under Suvendu Adhikari.
Exit polls have painted a sharply divided picture. Some have suggested an edge for the BJP, hinting at a possible historic breakthrough, while others indicate that the TMC may still retain a strong position.
The lack of consensus among pollsters has added to the suspense, making every round of counting politically significant.
Smaller parties are not expected to play a major role in the final outcome, which has further reinforced the bipolar nature of the contest.
State braces for a sensitive political day
The massive deployment of forces across districts is not merely a routine administrative exercise. It reflects the anxiety surrounding a politically charged verdict in a state where elections have often been accompanied by allegations of intimidation, clashes, and post-result violence.
With counting underway, the administration is under pressure to ensure that the democratic process is seen as transparent, peaceful, and credible.
The coming hours will determine whether West Bengal witnesses a continuation of the existing order under Mamata Banerjee or a major political shift in favour of the BJP.
For now, security personnel remain the most visible presence outside counting centres, guarding what may become one of the most consequential verdicts in recent Bengal political history.
