West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Friday, 1 May warned that strict action will be taken against anyone who creates trouble or shows laxity during the vote count for the West Bengal Assembly elections. The announcement came as political tensions flared in Kolkata over alleged EVM tampering, with counting scheduled for Monday.

Counting Preparations and Protocol

Agarwal, speaking to reporters during an inspection visit to Purulia, said the counting process will strictly follow established rules and regulations. "Counting will happen according to the rules and regulations. We have made the entire circular according to all the guidelines," he stated.

The CEO added that compliance certificates will be collected from each District Election Officer (DO) confirming that counting centres, counting personnel, paramilitary forces, and state police have adhered to all guidelines. "We have cautioned that strict action will be taken against those who create trouble, don't keep strict vigil or on account of any laxity," he said.

On-Ground Inspection at Counting Centres

Agarwal's visit to Purulia focused on verifying physical arrangements at counting centres, including the layout of counting halls, table arrangements, and strongroom access points. He underlined a key logistical rule: "The EVM and staff cannot go from the same place. The counting agents and counting staff have to go through different areas."

He also confirmed that compilation and tabulation areas were being checked as part of what he described as a "normal inspection" to ensure everything is in place ahead of counting day. The security arrangements already in place, he said, are "sufficient."

EVM Tampering Allegations and Political Tensions

The inspection comes amid heightened political drama in Kolkata. On Thursday night, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls High School — the venue housing the strongroom for Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata — alleging EVM tampering and remaining there past midnight.

Separately, a scuffle broke out between workers of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside the counting centre at Netaji Indoor Stadium on Thursday, following allegations by Trinamool leaders of "suspicious movements" inside a strongroom.

Agarwal, however, denied receiving any formal complaint. "We did not receive any phone or message regarding any complaint," he said, adding: "Counting takes place after every election. Incidents like this keep on happening."

What to Watch on Counting Day

With counting set for Monday and political temperatures already elevated, the Election Commission's ability to enforce its zero-tolerance protocol will be closely watched. Any further incidents at strongrooms or counting centres are likely to draw immediate scrutiny from both parties and the national media.