Counting day clampdown: Kolkata bans celebrations; BJP takes early lead in West Bengal

As counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Monday, Kolkata Police imposed a complete ban on victory processions, rallies and celebrations across the city for the day, warning of strict action against violators.

Officials said such events will be permitted only from May 5 onwards, and that too with prior police approval. Any violation of the directive will invite legal action.

The restriction comes amid a tight contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with early trends showing a close fight. Officials said celebrations will only be permitted from May 5 onwards, and that too with prior police permission.

Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta said the administration was closely monitoring the situation as counting progressed. “Every complaint has been addressed. Some of the CCTV cameras malfunctioned for 5-10 minutes over technical reasons. No victory rally can be held today,” he told reporters.

Early trends show BJP slightly ahead in close contest

According to data available till 10 am, trends had emerged for 176 of the state’s 293 Assembly constituencies. The BJP was leading in 90 seats, while the Trinamool Congress was ahead in 82. Congress and CPI(M) candidates were leading in two seats each.

In Malda district, Congress candidates were ahead in Malatipur and Mothabari constituencies. Mausam Benazir Noor, a former Lok Sabha MP who recently returned to Congress, was leading from Malatipur.

CPI(M) candidates were ahead in Jalangi and Domkal constituencies in Murshidabad district.

Key leaders lead, ministers face early setbacks

Among prominent BJP leaders, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari was leading from Nandigram. Dilip Ghosh was ahead in Kharagpur (Sadar), while Agnimitra Paul led in Asansol (Dakshin). Swapan Dasgupta was also among those in the lead.

On the other hand, some ministers in the Mamata Banerjee cabinet, including Dr Sashi Panja from Shyampukur, were trailing by narrow margins in early rounds.

Trends for the high-profile Bhabanipur seat in south Kolkata, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is in the fray, were not available till 10 am.

Officials said counting in each constituency would be conducted over multiple rounds, ranging from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 26, depending on the number of voters.