Supreme Court Dismisses TMC Petition Against Election Commission's Counting Directive
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Trinamool Congress's petition challenging the Election Commission's directive regarding counting supervisors for the upcoming elections. This ruling comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where the BJP has criticized TMC's actions following exit polls predicting a BJP victory. Re-polling has been ordered in specific polling centers due to allegations of electoral irregularities. As the election landscape evolves, predictions from various states indicate a competitive atmosphere, with significant implications for the upcoming vote counting scheduled for May 4.
| May 2, 2026, 16:46 IST
Supreme Court Ruling on TMC's Petition
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faced a setback on Saturday when the Supreme Court rejected its petition challenging a Calcutta High Court order. This order upheld the Election Commission's directive that only central forces and public sector employees should be appointed as counting supervisors at polling centers on May 4. The two-judge bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, stated that the Election Commission's circular could not be deemed incorrect. However, the court clarified that while the Election Commission can select counting personnel solely from representatives of the central government, TMC representatives will still be allowed to be present during the counting process. This decision follows the assurance from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to strictly adhere to the circular issued on April 13.
Political Reactions and Developments
Previously, the BJP criticized TMC's actions, suggesting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was desperate after exit polls predicted a victory for the BJP in West Bengal. Despite this, Banerjee has dismissed the exit poll forecasts and remains confident about returning to power for a fourth consecutive term. Meanwhile, based on information from the state election machinery, the ECI has ordered re-polling at 15 polling centers in two assembly seats of South 24 Parganas district—Diamond Harbour and Magrahat West—on Saturday. The BJP had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs), booth jamming, and other irregularities at these centers during the second phase of voting on April 29.
Re-Polling and Exit Poll Predictions
Re-polling has been ordered for 11 booths in Magrahat West and four booths in Diamond Harbour, which is a stronghold of TMC's national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee. In other states, exit polls in Tamil Nadu have indicated a lead for the DMK alliance led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, while some have predicted an unexpected victory for the TVK. In Kerala, exit polls suggest a return to power for the Congress-led UDF. Additionally, exit polls in Assam and Puducherry forecast a win for the BJP-led NDA. The counting of votes in all four states and the Union Territory of Puducherry is scheduled for May 4.