108 centres, 256 cos of central forces, strict COVID measures: All set for May 2 counting for Bengal polls

Large counting halls with open space and ample ventilation, fewer tables and wide gaps between them to ensure social distancing norms, and sanitised EVMs — these are among the preparations made at the vote counting centres in West Bengal amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ample supply of masks, sanitisation facilities and temperature checking at the entry points are also in place. There will be a separate space and more officials to handle postal ballots at each centre.

Counting of votes in West Bengal will start at 8 am on Sunday at 108 centres in 23 districts. All the EVMs and VVPATs will be sanitised before the commencement of the counting process.


At least 292 observers have been appointed on the counting day in the state. There are 256 companies of central forces deployed at the counting centres.

Some of the key counting centres in Kolkata are Netaji Indoor Stadium, Lord Sinha Road’s Sakhawat and Dinabandhu Andrews College. In Netaji Indoor Stadium, counting will be undertaken for several constituencies including Chowringhee and Shyampuku. Dinabandhu Andrews College is the counting centre for the Jadavpur constituency.

South 24 Parganas district has the highest number of counting centres (15). Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jhargram have one each. Each centre will have a nodal officer along with a health officer to ensure strict adherence of Covid-19 protocols.

"Masks, face shields and sanitiser will be kept outside the centres. At least 15 rounds of sanitisation will be done at each centre during the process,” an EC official said.

Everyone will be asked to wash hands with soap or use sanitiser. Each polling official and security person will be provided with a mask, face shield, a pair of gloves and sanitiser.

The state on Saturday reported 17, 512 new Covid-19 cases, the highest so far for a day.