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All eyes on today’s by-election result in Bengal’s Kaliganj; tight security protocol for counting day

The Kaliganj seat fell vacant in February after the demise of incumbent TMC MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed.

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were securely transported to the strong rooms on Thursday, and they are being monitored 24x7 through CCTV cameras. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

The Election Commission (EC) has undertaken a host of measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful counting for the bypoll to the Kaliganj Assembly seat in West Bengal’s Nadia district. The counting is slated to commence at 8 am on Monday.

According to EC sources, a three-tier security system will be in place at the counting centres: armed police personnel will guard the outermost layer, the second tier will comprise the state police and central forces, and the innermost, third tier will be exclusively manned by central forces.

The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were securely transported to the strong rooms on Thursday, and they are being monitored 24×7 through CCTV cameras. Political parties have been permitted to set up camps within 100 metres of the strong rooms, provided they obtain prior permission from the district magistrate.

The counting centre will have approximately 16 tables. One of these tables will be dedicated to the counting of postal ballots. Election Commission officials anticipate a maximum of 20 rounds of counting, with results likely to be declared by 1 pm.

Agents of political parties will only be allowed to carry white paper and pens. The counting will begin with postal ballots, followed by EVMs. Mobile phone usage will be restricted to observers and designated metronomic officers.

The Kaliganj seat fell vacant in February after the demise of the incumbent TMC MLA, Nasiruddin Ahmed, aged 70. Ahmed, affectionately known as Lal within TMC circles, had secured a significant victory in the 2021 Assembly elections, defeating BJP’s Abhijit Ghosh by a margin of 46,987 votes. He had previously won the seat in 2011 but lost to the Congress in 2016.

The by-election is a crucial test for both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which aims to extend its winning streak after sweeping all six Assembly bypolls last year, and the Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which are eager to identify vulnerabilities of the TMC ahead of next year’s Assembly polls. The BJP, in particular, has been looking to leverage issues like the teachers’ protest, Operation Sindoor, and the Pahalgam terror attack to garner support.

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With counting just hours away, all eyes are on Kaliganj to see which party emerges victorious and what implications the result holds for West Bengal’s political landscape.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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