432 observers deployed for vote counting
Kolkata: The moment of truth for the Bengal Assembly election results is now fast approaching. The Election Commission has marshaled its full resources to ensure that the vote counting-scheduled for Monday across 293 seats in the state (excluding Falta)—is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. On Saturday, the Commission released the official list of counting observers, under which a total of 432 observers have been deployed.
'Super Vigilance' in North 24 Parganas
According to the Commission's list, the North 24 Parganas district is set to be the focal point of the vote counting this time around. A maximum of 49 counting observers have been appointed for the 33 seats in this district. This is followed closely by South 24 Parganas, where a substantial team of 45 observers has been deployed for 31 seats. However, a slight adjustment in these figures remains a possibility due to the postponement of the vote counting for the Falta seat.
Fewest Personnel in Alipurduar
While a veritable army of observers has been deployed in the larger districts, Alipurduar has received the fewest observers. Only six observers have been entrusted with the responsibility for the five seats in this district. As for the capital city, Kolkata, 12 observers will be stationed to oversee the 11 seats within the city limits.
165 Additional Observers to Also Hold the Fort
This time, the Commission has paid special attention to those Assembly constituencies that house more than one vote-counting hall. For such centers, 165 additional counting observers have been appointed to assist the observers already stationed there.
A 'Security Ring'-But No Entry into Counting Rooms
To reinforce security and maintain law and order outside the vote-counting centers, 77 Police Observers have been appointed. The Commission has issued a clear directive that these police observers shall not enter the counting hall under any circumstances. Their role will be to maintain coordination and order within the outer premises.
