Controversy Over Reduced Counting Centres in Bengal's Electoral Battle

The Election Commission is reducing the number of counting centres for the West Bengal Assembly polls from 87 to 77, drawing criticism from the Trinamool Congress. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that the changes are being implemented just days before the counting and are under CCTV surveillance.

The Election Commission has announced plans to reduce the number of counting centres for the West Bengal Assembly elections from 87 to 77. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly from the ruling Trinamool Congress, just days before the counting process begins.

Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has indicated that the number of centres was previously cut from 108 to 87 two weeks ago. The move to potentially decrease it further is being implemented under stringent conditions, including CCTV surveillance.

While the Commission has stayed tight-lipped about the reasons behind these changes, Agarwal is expected to conduct personal visits to several of these centres. In Kolkata, 11 Assembly constituencies will see counting across five dedicated venues, amidst political tensions surrounding these decisions.