Security was intensified across multiple counting centres in Kolkata as West Bengal prepared for the counting of votes for the 294-seat assembly elections on January 31, 2026.
In Bhabanipur, a key constituency due to the contest between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, substantial police presence was noted outside the Sakhawat Memorial School counting centre. Similar security measures were observed at the Netaji Indoor Stadium and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
Counting agents from both the BJP and Trinamool Congress (TMC) continued to arrive at the Bhabanipur counting centre. A verbal dispute took place between agents from the two parties. TMC alleged that they were not allowed to bring files and pens inside the centre, while BJP agents were permitted to do so. A TMC polling agent stated, “They are not allowing us to take files or pens inside, but the BJP polling agents are allowed to take them inside. Rules should be the same for everyone. We are the people of Mamata Banerjee. There is no bigger identity than this.”
Conversely, a BJP agent accused TMC agents of not carrying identity cards for entry, saying, “They are not carrying their ID cards. We are wearing our ID cards. They are creating a ruckus unnecessarily. BJP is winning with a majority in West Bengal and even in Bhabanipur.”
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced preparations for the counting day, sharing images from the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University counting centre in Ballygunge. An ‘X’ post from ECI stated, “All preparations in place for counting day West Bengal Elections 2026. Glimpses of Media Centre of 161 Ballygunge Assembly Constituency under DEO Kolkata South at the Counting Venue at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University.”
Alongside West Bengal, vote counting was scheduled in the 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Counting began with postal ballots at 8:00 am, followed by electronic voting machine (EVM) counts from 8:30 am. Results were to be updated in real time on the ECINET platform and the official Election Commission portal.
In West Bengal, the environment remained tense until counting commenced. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed optimism, stating, “I offered prayers at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming.”
The BJP projected confidence in unseating the ruling TMC, with leaders predicting a wave of change. Meanwhile, TMC reaffirmed its position, with party leader Kunal Ghosh claiming, “Mamata Banerjee is coming back with more than 200 seats,” and expressing concerns over counting agent arrangements, citing a lack of basic facilities such as food and water.
Security remained strict throughout Kolkata, with senior CRPF officials inspecting strong rooms at Netaji Indoor Stadium. BJP workers congregated outside counting centres, stating their presence was to “safeguard EVMs,” reflecting the mutual mistrust between parties. Election officials maintained that the counting process would be conducted in a “free and fair” manner.