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Bengal counting row reaches Supreme Court as TMC seeks state govt employee vigil
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has moved the Supreme Court challenging an Election Commission directive that requires at least one central government officer at each counting table ahead of the May 4 counting. The Calcutta High Court had rejected interim relief and urged the TMC to challenge the issue in an election petition after results. A special Supreme Court sitting is scheduled for May 2 to hear the petition, with counting set to begin soon after.
Why It Matters
The case centers on perceived neutrality and fairness in vote counting, with potential implications for the composition of counting personnel and the perceived level playing field among parties.
Timeline
5 Events
West Bengal counting day tensions reported
May 1, 2026
The article reports that West Bengal is on edge before counting day, with mention of an SC knock and repolling amid a rising confrontation between the TMC and BJP. It notes security arrangements: round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, a three-tier security cover, and strict access protocols limited to authorised personnel.
May 2, 2026: SC to hear petition in special sitting
May 2, 2026
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi will hear the TMC petition in a special Supreme Court sitting; the hearing comes ahead of the counting scheduled to begin on May 4 in West Bengal.
May 1, 2026: TMC seeks urgent SC intervention
May 1, 2026
The TMC files an urgent appeal with the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, seeking to constitute a bench on Saturday to hear the petition against the ECI directive ahead of counting on May 4, after the Calcutta High Court declined interim relief on Thursday.
April 30, 2026: Calcutta High Court on bias concerns
April 30, 2026
Calcutta High Court brushes aside the TMC's apprehension of bias as 'impossible to believe' and requests the party to challenge this in an election petition after the declaration of results, while noting the ECI's prerogative to appoint counting personnel from central or state government.
April 13, 2026: WB CEO issues counting directive
April 13, 2026
An order mandating that at least one Central Government/Central PSU employee serve as counting supervisor or counting assistant at each counting table is issued by the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer and the state's additional CEO, referencing an Election Commission directive that is being challenged by the TMC.