Kolkata: The Left has asserted that the integrity of the counting process must reflect the people's mandate and warned against any attempt to capture counting centres using fake personnel, even as he ruled out any possibility of "horse-trading" involving Left-backed candidates.

Addressing a press conference after polling, the CPI(M) state secretary, Md Salim, said party workers would remain vigilant at counting centres just as they had guarded booths during voting. Alleging past instances of fake officials being deployed in elections, he urged the Election Commission of India to ensure that no bogus counting agents are allowed. He cited examples from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, as well as past panchayat polls in Bengal, where such practices were allegedly used to influence results.

Salim maintained that a higher voter turnout this time was partly due to the removal of fake or deceased names from electoral rolls. "A peaceful environment naturally leads to higher polling percentages," he said, adding that despite sporadic complaints, no major incidents were reported.

The Left leader alleged attempts at electoral manipulation in areas such as Diamond Harbour, Kasba and Ballygunge, including bogus voting and obstruction in lodging complaints. He also accused both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP of using black money, while asserting that "everything cannot be bought."

Raising concerns over alleged intimidation, Salim pointed to incidents like lathi-charge near CPI(M) camps in Uluberia, while rival party leaders remained within restricted zones. He said complaints had been filed, though action was inconsistent.

On post-poll scenarios, Salim made it clear that CPI(M) legislators would not engage in defections or inducements. "Our winning candidates will not be part of any horse-trading. They are committed to fulfilling promises made to the people," he said. He added that anti-Trinamool and anti-BJP forces would either form the government or sit in opposition, but would not compromise