Kolkata, May 4 (V7N) — Vote counting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections is set to begin at 8:00 am on Monday across 293 constituencies, excluding the Falta seat in South 24 Parganas, where polling has been suspended. The results are expected to determine whether Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party can unseat the ruling All India Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Counting will begin with postal ballots, followed by electronic voting machines (EVMs), with initial trends likely to emerge by midday. Authorities estimate that the counting process may take around four hours. A record voter turnout of over 93 percent was recorded in the two-phase election, reflecting heightened public engagement.

Most exit polls have suggested a possible shift in power, indicating that the BJP could secure a majority in the 294-member assembly, where 148 seats are required to form a government. However, some analysts believe no single party may achieve a clear majority, raising the possibility of a coalition government.

The Election Commission of India has implemented stringent measures to ensure a free and fair counting process. Restrictions have been imposed within a 100-meter radius of counting centers, all of which are under CCTV surveillance and video recording. A three-tier security system is in place, with central forces and state police deployed across locations.

Only individuals with QR code-based identification cards are allowed entry into counting centers, and mobile phones are prohibited for everyone except observers and returning officers.

Counting is being conducted at 77 centers across the state, including five in Kolkata. The largest center in the city is the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, where votes from seven constituencies will be counted.

To oversee the process, the Election Commission has appointed 432 general observers, along with 165 additional counting observers and 77 police observers. North 24 Parganas has the highest number of observers, while Alipurduar has the fewest.

Concerns have been raised by the Trinamool Congress over alleged potential tampering of EVMs, with party leadership instructing workers to guard strong rooms. Mamata Banerjee herself reportedly monitored a strong room in Kolkata for several hours on Friday night.

Meanwhile, election results are also being declared on the same day in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Exit polls indicate a possible power change in Kerala, while suggesting that ruling alliances may retain power in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. In Tamil Nadu, attention is focused on whether Chief Minister M. K. Stalin can retain power or face a challenge from emerging political forces.

The Falta constituency election has been suspended following allegations of widespread violence, EVM tampering, and voter intimidation during the second phase of polling on April 29. Based on observer reports, the Election Commission has ordered re-polling in all 285 booths in the constituency on May 21.

Both major parties have issued strict monitoring instructions to their agents during counting, with calls for vigilance and potential recount requests in closely contested seats.

The outcome is expected to have significant political implications, as one of India’s most closely watched state elections reaches its decisive stage.

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