No victory rallies after Bengal results, says Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta
The Statesman | 4 May 2026
As counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 got underway, Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta said all complaints raised by political parties had been addressed, even as a few CCTV cameras briefly malfunctioned at some locations.
The Election Commission has also barred any victory rallies on Monday after the declaration of results, signalling a tight grip on the post-counting situation across the state.
Speaking to reporters, Gupta said, “Every complaint has been addressed. Some of the CCTV cameras malfunctioned for 5–10 minutes over technical reasons… no victory rally can be held today.”
Political parties had raised concerns over surveillance lapses at counting centres, but officials maintained that there was no impact on the integrity of the process.
The Election Commission of India has retained 200 companies of central forces in West Bengal, which will continue to be deployed even after the results are declared.
Officials indicated that the decision was aimed at ensuring law and order during the sensitive post-result phase, especially with celebrations now restricted.