Kolkata: Security across all 77 counting centres, including the seven in the city, has been substantially beefed up, but the political optics outside these centres continued for yet another day across Kolkata.
Comprehensive Security Measures
The Kolkata Police announced comprehensive security measures within the city to prevent any law and order conflict. Local Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), bike patrolling, and naka and picket checks have been planned. Senior officers at Lalbazar held a top-level meeting, instructing cops to monitor celebrations and subsequent rallies closely.
CEO's Assurance
Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated on Sunday that all arrangements have been made for a peaceful and transparent counting. He asserted that the exercise will be conducted in a free and fair manner without any possibility of unrest. "The counting of votes will be conducted in a free and fair manner. We are fully prepared; there will be no unrest anywhere," Agarwal told reporters.
Political Tensions
Despite assurances, the tense mood remained visible throughout Sunday. Both major parties, Trinamool Congress and BJP, alleged suspicious movements inside counting centres and claimed attempts to use unfair means. The Trinamool Congress raised its first claim regarding the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial School, where votes for the Bhowanipore Assembly Constituency will be counted. TMC alleged that a white car bearing the BJP logo and the word "Army" on its rear was allowed to enter the strong room without proper checking. Police dismissed the charge. In Howrah, TMC workers objected to renovation work near a strong room, prompting authorities to temporarily halt the activity.
Focus on Violence-Prone Areas
Police said the focus will also be on violence-prone areas like Patuli-Ganguly Bagan, Bhangar, and Maniktala. The city will see 1,400 central forces at each divisional headquarters, 2,000 cops at the counting centres, and another 8,000 cops on the roads.
Security Layers
The security arrangement will begin from the counting centres, with 200 central force personnel in the third and final layer of security right outside the counting centre, 120 cops in the second layer, and 130 cops for the third and outer layer. CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Special DG Vitul Kumar inspected the strong room at Netaji Indoor Stadium and the surrounding areas ahead of the counting. At Hastings House, there will be 400 cops apart from 200 central force personnel.
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