West Bengal vote count begins at 8 am across 77 centres, Falta seat excluded
Synopsis
West Bengal's election count kicks off at 8 am Monday across 77 heavily secured centres — fewer than ever before — with 700 CAPF companies on standby to prevent a repeat of 2021's post-poll violence. Only 293 of 294 seats will be decided; Falta's fate hangs until 24 May after a fresh re-poll order.
Key Takeaways
Vote counting for West Bengal Assembly elections begins at 8 am on 4 May across 77 counting centres .
Results will cover 293 of 294 constituencies ; Falta in South 24 Parganas is excluded after the ECI ordered a re-poll on 21 May , with results on 24 May .
Counting centres reduced from 108 in 2021 to 77 this time to concentrate security resources.
Three-layered security with CAPF exclusively manning counting rooms; QR code verification required for entry.
165 additional counting observers and 77 police observers deployed by the ECI.
700 companies of CAPF to remain in the state until further orders to prevent post-poll violence.
The counting of votes for the recently concluded two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections will begin at 8 am on Monday, 4 May, across 77 counting centres spread throughout the state. Results will be declared for 293 of 294 Assembly constituencies, with the lone exception being the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district.
Why Falta Is Left Out
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday ordered a re-poll for the entire Falta constituency after irregularities were reported during the two-phase polling. The re-poll is scheduled for 21 May, with results to be declared on 24 May. This makes Falta the only seat whose fate remains undecided when the rest of Bengal knows its new government.
Fewer Counting Centres, Tighter Security
In a notable departure from past practice, the ECI has sharply reduced the number of counting centres — from 108 in 2021 and 90 in 2016 — to 77 this time. The Commission had initially proposed 87 centres before finalising the lower figure. The consolidation is aimed at concentrating security resources more effectively during the counting process.
Security at and around the centres will follow a three-layered arrangement. The innermost layer — the counting rooms themselves — will be manned exclusively by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The second layer, covering the counting centre premises outside the counting rooms, will be jointly managed by central and state forces. The outermost layer, outside the centre perimeter, will be handled by Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police.
Three-Stage Verification for Entry
Access to counting centres will require a three-stage identity verification process for all authorised electoral officers, staff, political party agents, and candidates. The first two stages involve manual checking of identity cards, while the third stage mandates QR code verification. Only counting observers and returning officers will be permitted to carry mobile phones inside counting rooms.
Additional Observers and CAPF Deployment
The ECI has deployed 165 additional counting observers to assist existing observers on 4 May, along with 77 police observers tasked with overseeing law and order arrangements around the centres. The Commission stated that these measures are intended to ensure a secure, peaceful, intimidation-free, and transparent counting environment.
Notably, in a direct response to the post-poll violence that followed the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the ECI has decided to retain 700 companies of CAPF in the state until further orders — an unprecedented peacetime deployment that underscores the Commission's concern about potential unrest once results are declared.
With the counting set to begin Monday morning, all eyes will be on whether the security architecture holds and whether Bengal's political transition — whichever way it goes — remains free of the violence that scarred the state four years ago.
Point of View
When the CAPF presence will be the only buffer between political outcomes and street-level retribution.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will West Bengal election results be declared?
Counting of votes begins at 8 am on Monday, 4 May, across 77 centres. Results for 293 of 294 constituencies are expected to be declared on the same day, while the Falta constituency result will come on 24 May after a re-poll on 21 May.
Why is the Falta constituency excluded from Monday's counting?
The Election Commission of India ordered a re-poll for the entire Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas after irregularities during the two-phase polling. The re-poll is scheduled for 21 May and results will be declared on 24 May.
Why has the ECI reduced counting centres from 108 to 77?
The ECI reduced the number of counting centres to concentrate security arrangements more effectively. Fewer centres allow for tighter, more manageable three-layered security coverage by central and state forces.
What security measures are in place at counting centres?
A three-layered security arrangement covers counting centres: CAPF exclusively mans counting rooms, a joint central-state force covers the premises, and Kolkata and West Bengal Police handle the outer perimeter. Entry requires three-stage identity verification including QR code scanning.
Why are 700 CAPF companies being retained in West Bengal after counting?
The ECI has retained 700 companies of CAPF in the state until further orders specifically to prevent a repeat of the post-poll violence that occurred after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
