Security forces have deployed outside the strongroom at Netaji Indoor Stadium in central Kolkata ahead of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election vote-counting [1].

The deployment is intended to protect electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ensure a secure process amid high political tensions. With the results determining the state's leadership, any perceived breach of security could spark widespread unrest.

The Election Commission of India positioned Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and West Bengal Police personnel to maintain a three-layer security grid [1]. Approximately 1,500 personnel are guarding the strongrooms [2], supported by more than 200 CAPF companies [2]. Additionally, 7,500 West Bengal Police personnel are providing supporting security [2].

This high-level security is part of a broader operation across the state, which includes 77 counting centres [2]. The counting process is scheduled for May 4, 2026 [3].

Despite the precautions, tensions have risen at some locations. Reports indicated a ruckus occurred when cars with BJP flags were allegedly allowed into a compound where EVMs are kept [4]. The Election Commission said no irregularities occurred at the counting centre [3].

Political friction has also manifested in allegations regarding the integrity of the ballot. Following a sit-in by the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that ballot boxes had been opened, a BJP spokesperson said the claims were "pure rumours" [5].

These security measures follow a period of intense campaigning and a voter turnout of 92.93 per cent [6].

“1,500 personnel are guarding the strongrooms”

The scale of the security deployment—combining thousands of state and central police—reflects the volatile nature of West Bengal's political landscape. By utilizing a three-layer grid and deploying over 200 CAPF companies, the Election Commission aims to preemptively neutralize disputes over EVM tampering, which have become a recurring point of contention in Indian regional elections.