Tight security at Nadia as Kaliganj by-poll vote counting underway

Vote counting for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election in Nadia district began on Monday morning at Panighata High School. The process is being conducted under multi-layered security arrangements including central paramilitary forces, CCTV surveillance, and metal detector checks. The strong room storing the EVMs was opened at 6:30 AM in the presence of all contesting candidates and their agents. Counting officially began at 8 AM.

The Election Commission has prohibited the entry of mobile phones and any form of intoxicants inside the counting premises. Everyone entering the counting centre, including officials and agents, must undergo mandatory screening through metal detectors. The entire counting area has been brought under CCTV coverage, with access tightly restricted to authorised personnel only.

Counting is being held in two separate rooms, each equipped with nine tables. Seven tables in each room are allocated for counting EVM votes, one for counting postal ballots, and one for use by the Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer. A total of 23 rounds of counting will take place to determine the final outcome. The strong room has remained under constant central force protection since polling day.

The by-election was held on June 19 in a three-cornered contest. Extensive police deployment, along with central forces, has been arranged outside the counting centre to maintain law and order. The entire Panighata High School premises has been sealed off for security, with barricades placed around the site. Counting is expected to continue until all 23 rounds are completed and results are declared.