Breaking: Supreme Court Backs Election Commission Ahead of Bengal Counting

The Election Commission of India has received a major relief from the Supreme Court ahead of the West Bengal Assembly vote counting scheduled for May 4. The Trinamool Congress had challenged the Commission’s decision to deploy central government employees at counting centres, alleging bias and procedural irregularities. However, a Supreme Court bench refused to interfere, ruling that the Election Commission has full authority to appoint either central or state government officials for election duties, including vote counting. The court observed that the process cannot be considered unlawful as long as statutory guidelines are followed. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for TMC, raised concerns over delayed communication of the circular and the exclusion of state staff. The court, however, accepted the Commission’s position and noted that the arrangements were within legal bounds. The BJP claimed the verdict exposes TMC’s weakening position ahead of results, while the ruling party continued to allege bias. Meanwhile, both BJP and TMC have intensified preparations for counting day, with mobilization of party workers and heightened political tension at counting centres across West Bengal.

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