The Election Commission (EC) of India on Tuesday began recounting votes in the Rajarhat New Town Assembly constituency in West Bengal, the only seat where the final result is still pending. The move follows objections raised by a candidate over the slim margin in the earlier count.
“The recount is underway today, and once it is completed, we will announce the results,” a poll panel official told PTI.
Close contest between TMC and BJP
As per data available on the Election Commission’s website, Trinamool Congress candidate Tapash Chatterjee was ahead by 323 votes over BJP’s Piyush Kanodia after the 17th round of counting on Monday. Officials on Tuesday indicated that Chatterjee continues to maintain his lead based on current trends.
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Candidates in the fray
Apart from Chatterjee and Kanodia, other candidates in the contest include Firdaus Ali Molla of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party and Saptarshi Deb of the CPI(M), the official added.
Reportedly, the recount was ordered after concerns were raised over the narrow lead. The final outcome will be declared once the recounting process concludes.
