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West Bengal Count: 37 Companies Deployed in Birbhum for Tight Security

West Bengal's Birbhum district has implemented robust security for vote counting, deploying at least 37 companies of security forces across the district. A three-tier security arrangement is in place at counting centres, with strict checking protocols for entry. Exit polls project a tight contest between the BJP and Trinamool Congress, with some giving an edge to the BJP. A verbal spat broke out between polling agents over entry rules, with TMC alleging unequal treatment.

Key Points: West Bengal Vote Count: 37 Companies Deployed in Birbhum

  • 37 security companies deployed across Birbhum district
  • Three-layer security at all counting centres
  • Tight contest projected between BJP and TMC
  • Verbal spat between polling agents over entry rules
3 min read

West Bengal: Three-layer security at centres, over 37 companies deployed across Birbhum for vote count

West Bengal's Birbhum district deploys 37 companies of security forces for vote counting. Three-layer security at centres as counting begins for 294 MLAs.

"A three-tier security arrangement is already in place at the counting centre, all our officers are on duty... - SP Surya Pratap Yadav"

Birbhum, May 4

West Bengal's Birbhum local police has robust security in place for the vote count, with atleast 37 companies of security forces across the district as the state begins counting to decide 293 MLAs on Monday.

Superintendent of Police Surya Pratap Yadav said that proactive checking is taking place, with people allowed inside counting centres only after proper checking.

The government-aided polytechnic clinic Saud Ramkrishna Silpa Vidyapith is the counting centre for Birbhum, with scores of party workers and counting agents of various parties lining up to get in the centre. "A three-tier security arrangement is already in place at the counting centre, all our officers are on duty... People are being allowed inside only after checking. 3 companies deployed at each counting centre here. In the whole district, a total of 37 companies were deployed in view of the post-poll situation... We hope that everything will be fine," SP Surya Pratap Yadav told ANI.Meanwhile, Additional Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, Ashesh Biswas, says, "As per the ECI guidelines, we have done a proper three-layer security arrangement. We have reserved force as well. If needed, we will use them..."In Siliguri, Commissioner of Police (CP) Syed Waqar Raza expressed confidence in peaceful vote counting. "Everything will be done peacefully. All things are in proper order. Frisking is being done here, and there is a 3-tier security system, and we hope that everything goes fine," he told ANI.

Exit polls for West Bengal have projected a tight contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). While some projections, including Chanakya Strategies and Matrize, have given an edge to the BJP, others suggest a closer fight with TMC retaining a significant share of seats. Smaller parties are also expected to play a limited role in the outcome.

Birbhum contains 7 assembly constituencies, with 284-Dubrajpur (SC), 285-Suri, 286-Bolpur, 287-Nanoor (SC), 290-Mayureswar, 291- Rampurhat, 292- Hansan, and 294- Murarai.

The security has been tightened across Kolkata ahead of counting day on May 4, with heavy deployment outside several strongrooms, including Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School in Bhabanipur and Netaji Indoor Stadium, among others.

A verbal spat broke out between polling agents of both parties, in which TMC alleged of not allowed to take files and pen inside the counting centre, however, the same was allowed to BJP polling agents.

"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," a TMC polling agent said.

On the other hand, the BJP accused the TMC polling agents of not carrying identity cards for entering the polling station. "They are not carrying their ID cards.

The counting for the 294 assembly began at 8 AM today. However, Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered repolling in all polling booths of Falta constituency after reports of alleged electoral malpractice took place.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The verbal spat between TMC and BJP agents is concerning. We need equal treatment for all parties—no one should be allowed to take files if others can't. Transparency is key for democracy. 🤔
V
Vikram M
Exit polls are showing a tight contest, but let's wait for the real results. Security is top-notch, which is good because post-poll violence is always a concern in Bengal. Let's hope the counting goes smoothly.
A
Aman W
It's good that security is in place, but why was repolling needed in Falta? That raises questions about the electoral process. The ECI should investigate thoroughly to maintain public trust. 🧐
S
Sneha F
As a Bengali, I appreciate the strong security measures. But the trivial complaints about pens and files show how petty politics can be. Let's focus on the bigger picture—fair representation for all!
J
James A
Impressive security detail with 37 companies deployed. The three-layer system should prevent any untoward incidents. Good to see the ECI taking post-poll preparation seriously, especially after the exit polls show a close race.
N
Nisha Z
The security in Birbhum seems solid, but I'm worried about the allegations of bias at the counting centre. Rules should be equal for everyone—whether TMC or BJP.

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