Abhishek Banerjee to hold virtual meeting with counting agents amid strong room concerns

Amid rising concerns over alleged lapses in strong room security following the second phase of polling, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee is set to hold a virtual meeting with counting agents on Saturday at 4 PM. The meeting comes at a crucial juncture as preparations intensify ahead of vote counting, with the party aiming to ensure strict monitoring and avoid any irregularities during the process.

According to party sources, the meeting will include senior leaders and cover detailed instructions for counting agents deployed across constituencies. Agents are expected to be advised to remain vigilant throughout the counting process and not rely on exit poll predictions. The emphasis will be on maintaining composure while carefully observing each stage of counting, especially in the backdrop of allegations of possible tampering at strong rooms.

The party has already increased surveillance outside strong rooms, and similar caution is being extended to the counting centres. Agents may be instructed not to leave their designated locations until counting is completed, and in case of unavoidable absence, substitute agents should be ready to take over immediately. They are also likely to be directed to promptly report any suspicious activity to candidates and senior leadership.

The move follows recent tensions reported at strong room locations in Kolkata, including Shakhaowat Memorial School and Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, where allegations of irregularities triggered protests. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had personally visited one such centre and stayed for several hours, underscoring the party’s concerns over the security of stored EVMs.

Party insiders indicate that the upcoming meeting will also cover technical aspects of the counting process, including procedures, number of rounds, and handling of EVMs. With counting day approaching, the leadership appears focused on ensuring that organisational preparedness translates into smooth and closely monitored counting operations without disruptions.