Ahead of the counting of votes in the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has directed that no contractual employees will be allowed to perform duties at counting centres in East and West Midnapore districts.
As per sources, the poll body issued clear instructions that contractual staff engaged in election-related logistical work earlier will not be deployed on counting day under any circumstances.
The contractual employees were reportedly assigned tasks such as sealing EVM boxes and handling related storage procedures after polling. Also, they remained involved in securing the machines and carrying out auxiliary duties linked to the movement and sealing of EVM containers.
However, the Election Commission has clarified that such personnel cannot be utilised during the counting process.
It is being said that the decision has been taken in compliance with directives of the Supreme Court and with a view to ensuring greater transparency, neutrality and credibility in the counting exercise.
This means that only regular government personnel as well as duly authorised election staff will be permitted to handle responsibilities inside counting centres, officials indicated.
Post the order, administrative authorities across both the districts have begun revising deployment plans and staff rosters to ensure strict adherence to the poll panel’s instructions. The decision is being looked upon as a key step towards reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the counting process in the two politically significant districts.
Suvendu Adhikari raises concern
Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, who has been fielded from Bhabanipur and Nandigram by the BJP, had earlier complained over the engagement of “contractual and casual employees” in vote counting duties in two Assembly constituencies of West Midnapore, adding that it could undermine the entire electoral process carried out in the state and influence the poll results.
Voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections were conducted across two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will be done on May 4.
On Saturday, Adhikari took to X to complain about the move to assign non-permanent personnel in the counting process.
“Is the fate of Democracy being handed over to CONTRACTUAL WORKERS? It is a matter of grave concern and a direct assault on the sanctity of the democratic process. I am appalled to see the Counting Orders issued for 227-Pingla AC and 230-Daspur AC, where a significant number of Contractual and Casual Employees have been deployed for critical counting duties,” he wrote.
Is the fate of Democracy being handed over to CONTRACTUAL WORKERS?
It is a matter of grave concern and a direct assault on the sanctity of the democratic process. I am appalled to see the Counting Orders issued for 227-Pingla AC and 230-Daspur AC, where a significant number of… pic.twitter.com/IhLc6tIm8u
— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) May 2, 2026
He further question how “Jibika Sebaks,” “Sahayaks,” and “Contractual DEOs” be entrusted with the sensitive task of handling EVMs, VVPATs, and Postal Ballots?
“These positions are inherently vulnerable to political pressure and lack the institutional accountability required for a process as sacred as the counting of votes,” he added.