Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal: ECI ensured free and fair polls, 700 central forces retained
Synopsis
With BJP leading in 173 of 261 counted seats and TMC trailing at 85, West Bengal's election count is shaping up as a potential political earthquake. Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal's decision to retain 700 central force companies indefinitely signals that the ECI is taking no chances on post-poll violence — a haunting echo of 2021.
Key Takeaways
Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal confirmed the ECI took all steps for free and fair polling on 4 May .
Early trends showed BJP leading in 173 constituencies versus TMC in 85 seats out of 261 counted.
Trinamool Congress indicated it will seek recounts where victory margins are under 1,000 votes ; CEO clarified process is rule-bound.
ECI retains 700 companies of central forces in West Bengal indefinitely to prevent post-poll violence, citing 2021 incidents.
Repolling in Falta , South 24 Parganas , scheduled for 21 May ; results on 24 May .
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Monday, 4 May stated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had taken all necessary steps to ensure polling across the state was conducted in a free and fair manner, with law and order maintained throughout the electoral process. Agarwal's remarks came as early counting trends showed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading in a significantly higher number of constituencies than the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
CEO's Statement on Free and Fair Polling
Addressing reporters in Kolkata, Agarwal said, "We made all efforts for this election to be free and fair and for maintaining law and order during the voting. We urged the people to take this election as a festival of democracy." He also appealed to all political parties to exercise restraint once final results are officially declared. "In a democratic process, some parties will win, and some parties will lose. But that victory or defeat should not result in violence," he added.
Early Counting Trends: BJP Leads in 173 Seats
As per data available on the Election Commission website until noon on Monday, trends for 261 out of 293 Assembly constituencies had been recorded. BJP candidates were ahead in 173 constituencies, while the Trinamool Congress was leading in 85 seats. The Left Front–All India Secular Front alliance was ahead in one constituency, and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), founded by former TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, was also leading in one seat.
Recount Rules and TMC's Position
The Trinamool Congress indicated it would seek a recount in constituencies where the margin of victory is less than 1,000 votes. Agarwal clarified that the recount process is strictly governed by established rules. "The procedure for recounting is fixed. If any seat comes under that criterion, only then will there definitely be a recount. The political parties don't need to tell us anything. Our ROs know the procedure, and it will be followed 100 per cent," he said. Notably, this underscores the ECI's position that administrative procedure — not political pressure — determines recounting eligibility.
700 Central Forces Retained to Prevent Post-Poll Violence
In a significant move aimed at averting a repeat of the post-poll violence witnessed in 2021, the ECI has decided to retain 700 companies of central forces in West Bengal for an indefinite period until further orders. Agarwal also announced that winning parties may take out victory processions in districts only after obtaining prior permission from the district magistrate and the district electoral officer. This comes amid long-standing concerns about political violence in the state following election outcomes.
Falta Repolling Scheduled for May 21
Repolling for the entire Assembly constituency of Falta in South 24 Parganas district has been scheduled for 21 May, with results to be announced on 24 May. The decision to hold a fresh poll in the entire constituency signals the ECI's resolve to address any lapses in the electoral process. All eyes will now be on the final vote count and whether the early trends translate into a historic mandate.
Point of View
If it holds, would represent a seismic shift in Bengal's political landscape. Yet the TMC's move to flag recounts in close contests suggests the ruling party is already preparing a legal fallback. What is missing from mainstream coverage is scrutiny of whether the ECI's appeal for 'restraint' carries any enforcement mechanism — or whether it remains, as in 2021, a statement without consequence.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal say about the West Bengal elections?
Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated on 4 May that the ECI had taken all necessary steps to ensure free and fair polling and to maintain law and order. He also appealed to all political parties to exercise restraint after the final results are declared.
What are the early counting trends in the West Bengal Assembly election?
As of noon on 4 May, BJP was leading in 173 of 261 counted constituencies, while TMC was ahead in 85 seats. The Left Front–All India Secular Front alliance and AJUP were each leading in one seat.
Why has the ECI retained 700 central force companies in West Bengal?
The ECI has retained 700 companies of central forces in West Bengal indefinitely to prevent post-poll violence, citing the violence that occurred after the 2021 Assembly elections. The forces will remain until further orders.
What is the recount process for West Bengal election results?
Recounts are governed by established ECI rules. CEO Agarwal clarified that a recount occurs only if a seat meets the prescribed criteria, and that Returning Officers follow the procedure automatically — political parties do not need to make a separate request.
When will repolling take place in Falta constituency?
Repolling for the entire Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district is scheduled for 21 May, with results to be announced on 24 May.
