Kolkata: The Election Commission (EC) has barred any celebratory rallies in West Bengal on Monday as counting for the 2026 Assembly elections continues, a senior official from the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office confirmed. The directive comes amid a charged political atmosphere and a close contest unfolding across several key constituencies. 

Special observer Subrata Gupta told reporters that “No rallies celebrating wins of candidates following the announcement of results will be allowed anywhere in the state today.” Counting began at 8 am for 293 Assembly seats, with postal ballots taken up first in line with the EC’s standard procedure.

Early trends pointed to a competitive race between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with the BJP showing an early lead according to the Election Commission website.

EC addresses complaints on agent access, technical snags

The poll panel is examining reports that polling agents from various parties were unable to reach several counting centres. Gupta said the matter was being dealt with promptly, adding, “We are looking into the issue of agents unable to reach their centres. It will be resolved soon.”

He also noted that minor technical issues had been recorded at some locations. “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 said.

Tight contest in early trends

Initial figures around 9 a.m. indicated a neck-and-neck battle between the BJP and the TMC, with both parties leading in roughly 112 constituencies each, though the Election Commission had yet to officially release early trends at that time.

The outcome is being viewed as a crucial test for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her pursuit of a fourth consecutive term, as the BJP mounts an aggressive challenge across the state.

Suvendu Adhikari claims BJP will form government

West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects as counting progressed.

“BJP will form the government,” he said, as he seeks re-election from Nandigram while directly challenging Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur.

He further argued that Muslim votes had not consolidated behind the TMC this time, suggesting similar patterns were visible in Bhabanipur. Adhikari claimed Hindu votes had largely backed the BJP, adding, “I will go ahead after the ninth or tenth round and emerge as the winner in the seat.”

Allegations of irregularities at counting centres

BJP candidate Arjun Singh, contesting from Noapara, alleged discrepancies at his counting venue, stating that neither he nor his authorised agent had been permitted to enter despite announcements regarding the strong room opening.

“Till now the candidate or the election agent has not reached the counting centre, and they are making announcements that they are opening the strong room. This is an attempt to commit fraud. We will complain right now, we are going to the observer,” he said. 

(With ANI inputs)