Bengal counting centres cut to 77 despite record turnout, tighter security planned

Counting centres reduced to 77 from 108 to enhance security and transparency
Postal ballots to be counted first before EVM results on May 4
Strict rules and three-tier security to govern counting process

Following a record voter turnout in the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Election Commission has reduced the number of counting centres to 77 across the state, aiming to strengthen security and ensure greater transparency in the counting process. The revised arrangement marks a significant drop from the 108 centres used in the 2021 elections, with counting scheduled to begin at 8 AM on May 4.

The reduction was implemented in phases, with the initial proposal of 87 centres further scaled down after review. Out of the 77 centres, 35 have been set up at district headquarters and 42 at subdivision levels, taking into account geographical spread and accessibility. North 24 Parganas has the highest number of counting centres, while South 24 Parganas has six. In Kolkata, votes from multiple constituencies will be counted at select venues, including a single centre handling several seats in North Kolkata.

Strict protocols have been put in place for counting day, with three-tier security arrangements at all centres. Postal ballots will be counted first through the electronically transmitted postal ballot system, and only limited materials will be allowed inside counting halls. While the streamlined setup is intended to improve monitoring and reduce risks, officials indicated that the counting process may take longer due to fewer centres and tables.

District-wise distribution of counting centres:

Alipurduar: 1
Bankura: 3
Birbhum: 3
Cooch Behar: 5
South Dinajpur: 2
Darjeeling: 3
Hooghly: 5
Howrah: 4
Jalpaiguri: 2
Jhargram: 1
Kalimpong: 1
Kolkata: 5
Malda: 2
Murshidabad: 5
Nadia: 4
North 24 Parganas: 7
Paschim Bardhaman: 2
Paschim Medinipur: 3
Purba Bardhaman: 4
Purba Medinipur: 4
Purulia: 3
South 24 Parganas: 6
North Dinajpur: 2

Other locations include:

Alipurduar University (for 5 seats in Alipurduar)
North Bengal University’s second campus and Parimal Mitra Memorial College (for 7 seats in Jalpaiguri)
Scottish Universities Mission Institution (for 1 seat in Kalimpong)
Rani Indira Devi Government School (for 4 seats in Jhargram)

Tags:

West Bengal elections