Counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Monday under a heavy security blanket, with authorities deploying multiple layers of protection across counting centres to ensure a smooth process.
According to officials, a three-tier security arrangement has been put in place in line with guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. In Birbhum district alone, at least 37 companies of security forces have been deployed to maintain order during the counting process.
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Superintendent of Police Surya Pratap Yadav said strict checking measures are being followed. âA three-layer security arrangement is already in place at the counting centre. People are being allowed inside only after proper checking,â he told ANI.
Multi-layer checks, forces on standby
The counting centre in Birbhum has been set up at a government-aided polytechnic institute, where party workers and counting agents gathered from early morning. Officials said that three companies of security personnel have been deployed at each counting centre in the district, with additional reserve forces kept on standby to handle any contingencies.
In Kolkata, Additional Commissioner of Police Ashesh Biswas confirmed that similar arrangements are in place. âWe have implemented a proper three-layer security system and kept reserve forces ready,â he said.
In Siliguri, Commissioner of Police Syed Waqar Raza expressed confidence in peaceful counting, noting that frisking and surveillance measures are being strictly enforced.
Minor tensions reported
Amidst the heavy security presence, there have been some minor skirmishes outside one of the counting centres, with workers from opposing political parties accusing each other. While the Trinamool Congress worker alleged that their candidates were not permitted to bring some items inside, BJP workers said that they did not have proper identification.
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But the officials clarified that all candidates are treated equally and there is no discrimination.
Counting across 294 seats
The counting process, which started at 8 am today, will decide the destiny of candidates in as many as 294 Assembly seats. Birbhum district alone has a number of important seats like Dubrajpur, Suri, Bolpur, and Rampurhat.
The security level at strong rooms in Kolkata and other districts is very high with the police keeping a close watch on them. In another incident, the Election Commission has ordered a re-polling at all booths of Falta constituency after complaints of fraud.
