Election Commission cracks down on celebrations amid access complaints at counting centres
West Bengal held its breath on Monday as vote counting commenced for the 2026 Assembly elections and the Election Commission wasted no time drawing a firm line. Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta announced a blanket ban on victory rallies across the state, warning that no celebrations would be permitted following result announcements.
The directive came as the poll panel fielded multiple complaints from party agents denied entry to counting centres a concern Gupta acknowledged, assuring swift resolution.
Early trends painted a surprising picture: the BJP surged ahead in 48 constituencies, while the ruling Trinamool Congress trailed in 28 a stark opening for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. TMC has governed Bengal since toppling the Left Front in 2011, retaining power through 2016 and 2021.
Leading the BJP charge is Suvendu Adhikari a former TMC loyalist who dramatically defected before 2021 and defeated Banerjee herself in Nandigram.
Voter enthusiasm reached historic heights, with a record 92.93% turnout across both phases held on April 23 and 29.
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