Allegations and counter-allegations between the BJP and the TMC over counting-related measures and security arrangements in strong rooms have increased as the counting day for the West Bengal Assembly polls is drawing nearer.
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday, stating, “I write for and on behalf of the All India Trinamool Congress. This is to bring to your urgent attention that on 30 April, 2026, postal ballot covers were sorted at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, the strong room, by Election Commission personnel in the absence of candidates, their election agents, and representatives of political parties, and without any prior notice.”
He further said, “CCTV footage evidencing the same is enclosed herewith for your perusal. The aforesaid conduct is in direct violation of paras 11.21.6 and 11.21.7 of the ECI Handbook, which mandate that the handling of postal ballots be carried out strictly in the presence of candidates or their authorised representatives with due notice and transparency… It is further submitted that similar irregularities are being reported at other counting centres and postal ballot strong rooms across the State of West Bengal, thereby raising serious concerns regarding systemic non-compliance.”
The TMC MP has stated that authorised representatives of candidates be granted access to CCTV feed and strong room premises without obstruction.
On the other hand, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari Saturday wrote on his X handle, “Is the fate of Democracy being handed over to CONTRACTUAL WORKERS? It is a matter of grave concern and a direct assault on the sanctity of the democratic process. I am appalled to see the Counting Orders issued for 227-Pingla AC and 230-Daspur AC, where a significant number of Contractual and Casual Employees have been deployed for critical counting duties.”
He then added, “How can ‘Jibika Sebaks,’ ‘Sahayaks,’ and ‘Contractual DEOs’ be entrusted with the sensitive task of handling EVMs, VVPATs, and Postal Ballots? These positions are inherently vulnerable to political pressure and lack the institutional accountability required for a process as sacred as the counting of votes.”
The ECI has deployed 165 additional counting observers to assist counting observers and 77 police observers to strengthen security and oversee law and order arrangements in and around counting centres in West Bengal.
The poll body said, “Additional counting officers and police observers have been deployed to ensure that the counting proceedings are conducted in a secure, peaceful, intimidation-free and transparent environment.”
Meanwhile, repolling was held at several booths in the South 24 Parganas district on Saturday. The counting for the 294-member House will be held on May 4.