Kolkata Police have implemented a strict ban on all victory processions, rallies, and public celebrations within city limits on May 4, 2026, the day designated for counting votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections. This measure, announced by Commissioner of Police Ajay Nand, aims to preempt any potential unrest and ensure public order amidst heightened sensitivities surrounding the election results.
According to the official directive, any form of victory procession will only be permitted on or after May 5, 2026, and only then with explicit prior permission from the officer-in-charge of the respective police station. Authorities have warned that any violation of this order will lead to legal action, with officers across all Kolkata police stations instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure full compliance.
Election Trends and Context
The prohibition comes as early trends from the Election Commission of India (ECI) indicate a significant shift in West Bengal's political landscape. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly crossed the halfway mark in initial leads, securing advantages in 178 constituencies. In contrast, the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) is trailing with leads in 92 seats.
The state witnessed a historic voter turnout of 92.47% across two phases on April 23 and April 29, surpassing previous records. Notable contests include senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is leading in Nandigram but trailing in Bhabanipur, according to current counting trends.
TMC Raises Concerns, Security Remains High
Despite the early leads, the TMC has voiced concerns regarding the transparency and speed of data disclosure. Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose alleged that trends for over 70 constituencies had not been released and urged the ECI to publish data for all 293 seats without delay.
Security arrangements across West Bengal remain extensive. The ECI has deployed 432 counting officers, with 49 observers assigned to North 24 Parganas, which has the highest number of constituencies. In Kolkata, 60 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and city police are guarding 22 strong rooms across seven counting centers, ensuring the integrity of the vote-counting process.