Ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, the Election Commission of India has assured that elaborate security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.
Speaking to reporters, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the counting would be conducted in a “free and fair manner,” stressing that authorities are fully prepared. “There will be no unrest anywhere. Tomorrow’s counting will take place peacefully,” he said.
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Echoing similar confidence, the state’s special electoral roll observer Subrata Gupta stated that preparations have been completed and there is “no possibility of vote theft or irregularities.” He added that both central and state government personnel will be present during the counting process, all of whom have been adequately trained.
Security has been significantly tightened outside strongrooms across the state, including key locations in Kolkata, with central forces deployed to monitor the situation. Senior officials from the Central Reserve Police Force also carried out inspections ahead of counting day.
The assurances come amid heightened political tensions, with parties raising concerns over strongroom security. Officials, however, reiterated that electronic voting machines remain safe, as authorities work to ensure a transparent and orderly counting process.
