The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a string of measures intended to tighten security at counting centres on the eve of vote counting in West Bengal.
On Sunday, Manoj Kunar Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal said that each counting centre would be protected by a three-tier security system, with roughly two companies of central forces stationed at every venue.
“Any breach of security or entry of unauthorised materials into counting centres would primarily be the responsibility of the central forces on duty,” Agarwal said.
Counting for 294 assembly constituencies will be held at 77 counting centres across Bengal on May 4. 200 companies of Central Forces will stay back in state after the votes have been counted.
According to another ECI official, a high-level review meeting will be held tonight involving Observers, District Election Officers (DEOs) and Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure preparedness.
The CEO also said discussions have already been held with most district authorities, and restrictions under Section 163 around counting centres could be expanded if needed.
The decision on allowing victory processions however has been put on hold as of now . The District Magistrates have warned that tensions often rise on counting day, and the Commission will take a call after consulting police and local officials, an ECI official said.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether Ajay Pal Sharma a UP cadre IPS officer will continue as Special Police Observer for the Falta repoll scheduled for 21 May.
“The commission is yet to decide,” an ECI official said.
Speaking on the Falta incident, Agarwal said all webcasting footage would be reviewed only after results are declared on 4 May, in the interest of transparency. Any involvement of government officials, if found, will invite strict action.
Learning from complaints of power disruptions during the 2021 count, the CEO said backup arrangements, including generators, have been put in place. Coordination meetings have already been held with power utilities, and further discussions are scheduled with the state’s Power Department to ensure uninterrupted counting.