West Bengal Election 2026 Re-Poll highlights: Near 90% turnout in repoll across Magrahat Paschim, Diamond Harbour

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee held a detailed virtual meeting with counting agents across 291 constituencies, outlining strategy and expressing confidence ahead of May 4 results.

The leadership asked agents to remain at counting centres till the end, report any irregularities immediately and push for recounts in close contests. Mamata reiterated that the party would win “200-plus seats” and dismissed exit polls as misleading.

Agents were also told to stay alert to issues like power outages and ensure strict monitoring during EVM handling. The leadership alleged possible counting malpractice, while the Election Commission has maintained there is no scope for wrongdoing.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand met West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal in the state capital as preparations intensify.

Nand was seen leaving the Election Commission office after discussions with the CEO.

The meeting is seen as part of final security reviews and coordination efforts ahead of counting day across the state.

Repolling in West Bengal saw an exceptionally high voter turnout, reflecting strong participation in the affected constituencies.

The Election Commission said polling percentage touched nearly 90 per cent across 15 polling stations in two Assembly constituencies.

Voting was conducted under tight security arrangements, with officials ensuring smooth proceedings amid heightened political attention on the repoll process.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee left Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence after a prolonged strategy meeting ahead of counting.

Between 4pm and 5pm, the two leaders held a virtual conference with counting agents across Bengal to review preparedness.

This was followed by an extended in-person discussion till around 7pm, focusing on coordination, booth-level inputs and counting-day strategy.

Tensions surfaced in South 24 Parganas’ Falta Assembly constituency as locals protested over alleged threats by TMC workers. Police officer Shantanu Sen said the situation remains “peaceful” despite the protests. He urged residents to formally lodge complaints at the police station, assuring that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the allegations.

Counting of votes in West Bengal will take place under a strict, multi-layered protocol led by the Returning Officer, with detailed checks at every stage.

Each counting table will have a four-member team, a counting supervisor, assistant (additional observer), a micro observer and a multi-tasking staff member. At least one official will be from the central government, with randomised deployment and QR-coded ID verification.

A three-tier security system, frisking and QR checks will be in place. No mobile phones are allowed inside counting centres, and movement of staff and agents will be tightly restricted during the process.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has planned a statewide outreach ahead of counting, with all its Assembly candidates set to visit temples on Sunday.

Party candidates will offer prayers in their respective constituencies a day before counting on May 4.

The move is seen as part of last-mile mobilisation and symbolic outreach as political parties gear up for the crucial counting day.

RJD MP Manoj Jha has weighed in on the West Bengal Assembly election, saying the Supreme Court could have taken a more comprehensive view of concerns around counting.

He said addressing doubts of a large voter base would have helped build confidence and set a stronger precedent ahead of counting day.

On Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s controversy, Jha declined direct comment but said whether allegations are baseless or not, such issues must be examined seriously within democratic norms.

The Election Commission has received reports regarding multiple issues during voting in Falta assembly constituency from the observers. They will make a decision tonight on repolling in several booths in the region tomorrow, a day before counting.

(Inputs from Sahil Joshi)

TMC leadership combined confidence with sharp criticism during a key virtual meeting with party workers and counting agents.

Mamata Banerjee praised workers for their “relentless fight” and asserted the party is headed for a “200+ seats” victory. She dismissed exit polls as attempts to “manipulate the stock market”, referencing past elections.

Abhishek Banerjee alleged intimidation by central forces, claiming women were targeted in several areas, and accused a section of the media of backing such narratives.

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee held a key virtual meeting with counting agents and stakeholders ahead of counting day.

Abhishek Banerjee reached the CM’s residence in Kolkata for the interaction, where Mamata congratulated party workers for their “relentless fight” during the polls.

The Chief Minister flagged alleged “brutality” by central forces and expressed confidence of a big win, telling workers the TMC is set to secure over 200 seats.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee arrived at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata ahead of a key strategy session.

The leadership is set to hold a virtual meeting with counting agents and party stakeholders to streamline coordination.

The interaction is expected to focus on counting-day preparedness, booth-level inputs and addressing concerns around security and monitoring at counting centres.

Kolkata Police has suspended the Officer in Charge of Kalighat Police Station, Goutam Das, after a controversial social media post surfaced.

Das had shared a picture holding a firearm with the caption ‘ready for new assignment’, drawing scrutiny amid the sensitive election period.

Chameli Mukherjee has been appointed as the new Officer in Charge of Kalighat Police Station with immediate effect.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee reached Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata as the party gears up for counting.

Both leaders are set to hold a video conference with counting agents and key party stakeholders later today.

The meeting is aimed at coordinating strategy and ensuring preparedness amid heightened focus on counting-day procedures and security arrangements.

Repolling in two Assembly constituencies of West Bengal has witnessed a strong voter turnout, signalling active participation despite tensions.

The Election Commission said 72.43 per cent polling was recorded till 3pm across the two seats undergoing repoll.

Voting continued under tight security, with central forces deployed at booths to ensure a smooth and peaceful process amid political scrutiny.