BJP accepts K Annamalai’s resignation; speculation grows over future plans
The BJP's decision comes amid growing speculation around K Annamalai's political future, with supporters and rivals closely watching his next move in Tamil Nadu.
With counting of votes underway across West Bengal, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Monday dismissed concerns over alleged VVPAT slip irregularities, asserting that the integrity of the voting process remains intact. “The issue of vote theft doesn’t even arise; votes are locked in the EVM. The security is so tight that the question of vote theft doesn’t come up at all,” he said.
The remarks come at a politically charged moment, with early trends indicating a strong showing by the Bharatiya Janata Party and controversy surfacing over discarded VVPAT slips in parts of the state. Authorities, however, have stressed that the counting process is being conducted under strict supervision and security arrangements.
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#WATCH | Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal says, “The issue of vote theft doesn’t even arise, votes are locked in the EVM. The security is so tight that the question of vote theft doesn’t come up at all.” pic.twitter.com/wi3FfbBhB1
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— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Counting peaceful so far, restrictions on victory processions
Agarwal said the counting exercise was progressing without disruption and urged the public to remain calm. “Counting is proceeding smoothly. I would like to appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Nothing untoward happened before the polls, and I urge people to remain calm even after the results,” he said.
To prevent any flare-up, the administration has barred victory processions for the day. “I have instructed the DM that no permission be granted for victory processions today. Permission will be granted starting tomorrow. Permissions will be issued at police stations; our effort is to maintain peace,” he added.
He also emphasised the role of central forces in maintaining order, stating that the administration is fully prepared to handle the post-election situation.
#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | Kolkata: On the counting of votes, State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal says, “We have tried to conduct a free and fair election and that the law and order is maintained. We have tried to ensure that as many people come out and… pic.twitter.com/urtiyS08t0
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026
Complaints under scrutiny, lessons for panchayat polls
Responding to complaints, including those from Raiganj, the CEO said all grievances are being examined. “Wherever complaints are being received, we are examining them carefully and making every effort to address the issues,” he noted.
A field report from Falta has also been submitted. Agarwal said the administration will draw lessons from that experience and become more vigilant, adding that these learnings will be particularly useful for the upcoming panchayat elections.
VVPAT slips found ahead of counting spark controversy
Tension escalated after VVPAT slips allegedly linked to booth number 29 of the Noapara Assembly constituency were found discarded in Subhashnagar of Ichapur Nilganj Panchayat under Madhyamgram Assembly, a day before counting. CPI(M) candidate Gargi Chatterjee visited the site along with police personnel after the discovery.
The Noapara seat is witnessing a contest between Trinamool Congress candidate Trinankur Bhattacharjee and Bharatiya Janata Party’s Arjun Singh.
BJP crosses majority mark, TMC trails in early trends
As per trends released by the Election Commission of India, the BJP has crossed the majority mark, leading in 156 seats. The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress is ahead in 86 seats, while its ally BGPM is leading in one seat.
If the trend holds, the BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule and decades of Left dominance before that.
West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari expressed confidence in the party’s performance, saying, “The BJP will form the government with more than 180 seats.”
Recount only under rules, officials prepared
On the issue of recounting, Agarwal clarified that it would be allowed strictly as per laid-down conditions. “Any recounting of votes will be considered only if it comes under the conditions for recounting. The ROs are very well aware of it,” he said.
He also thanked the media, officials, and voters for contributing to a largely peaceful electoral process. “Our officials, party workers, and the general voters have also extended great support, and I am grateful to all of them,” he added.
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