May 4, 2026
NEW DELHI – With the fate of four major states and one Union Territory set to be revealed, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday declared that all arrangements are in place for the counting of votes on May 4, marking the culmination of a high-voltage electoral cycle across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Assam and Puducherry. Officials said counting centres have been secured, personnel deployed, and protocols tightened to ensure a smooth and transparent process as the country braces for decisive results day.
In a message underscoring preparedness, the poll body said counting arrangements have been completed at key centres. Visuals shared by ECI showed fortified counting venues, regulated entry points and systematic arrangements, reflecting a nationwide exercise operating at scale. The results, to be announced through the day, are expected to have significant political implications across regions.
The counting process will begin with postal ballots at 8 am, followed by Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) counting from 8:30 am across states. Multi-layered security, strict access control and real-time monitoring systems have been put in place, as authorities aim to prevent disruptions and ensure credibility amid heightened political tensions in several areas.
WEST BENGAL: Tight security blankets strongrooms
West Bengal to enter counting day under an intense security grid, with authorities fortifying strongrooms and sensitive locations across Kolkata and other districts. Heavy deployment has been reported outside storage centres, where Electronic Voting Machines are kept under constant surveillance.
Security has also been stepped up outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office and in constituencies like Falta, where protests erupted following allegations of intimidation and violence. Central forces, including the CRPF and RAF, have been stationed at multiple points, supported by armoured vehicles to deter any escalation. Officials said round-the-clock monitoring and strict perimeter control are in place.
Polling for the 294-member Assembly was conducted in two phases, witnessing a charged campaign and sporadic incidents of unrest. With political stakes exceptionally high, the state remains on edge as counting begins, with authorities determined to maintain order and prevent post-result flare-ups.
ASSAM: Three-tier security and tight protocols
Assam is gearing up for a crucial counting exercise with elaborate security and administrative arrangements across its 126 constituencies. Authorities have enforced a three-layer security system at counting centres.
Officials said counting will begin with postal ballots, followed by EVM votes across 14 tables at each centre, ensuring an efficient process. In districts like Sivasagar, hundreds of personnel have been deployed to oversee operations, with dedicated teams managing logistics, verification and tabulation.
The election, held in a single phase, is being seen as a major test for the ruling alliance seeking another term. With close contests expected in several seats, the counting process is likely to stretch through multiple rounds, with authorities closely monitoring every stage to ensure transparency and accuracy.
KERALAM: High turnout sets stage for decisive electoral outcome
Keralam heads into counting day after recording a strong voter turnout of 78.27 per cent in a single-phase election held on April 9. The high participation has set the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched verdict, with both major alliances expressing confidence.
Counting arrangements have been streamlined across the state, with officials ensuring adherence to Election Commission guidelines. Security deployment has been calibrated to maintain order, though the state has largely remained peaceful compared to others.
The electoral battle in Keralam traditionally hinges on alternating political mandates, making this result particularly significant. With voter turnout indicating strong engagement, the outcome is expected to reflect clear public sentiment as counting unfolds.
TAMIL NADU: Massive deployment and tech-driven access for counting
Tamil Nadu has put in place one of the most extensive counting operations, with 62 centres across the state secured under a three-tier security system. Nearly 1.25 lakh personnel, including police, counting staff and observers, have been deployed to oversee the process.
Authorities have arranged 234 halls for EVM counting and 240 additional halls for postal ballots, supported by over 3,300 counting tables. The process will be monitored by Returning Officers and micro-observers to ensure strict compliance with norms. In a new measure, a QR code-based identity system has been introduced to regulate entry, allowing only authorised individuals inside counting premises.
The election saw an intense contest across 234 constituencies, with multiple political players in the fray. As counting begins, officials will release round-wise results, updating them simultaneously on official platforms, ensuring transparency and real-time access to trends.
PUDUCHERRY: Smaller battleground, high political stakes
In Puducherry, counting arrangements have been finalised across designated centres, with authorities adopting similar security and procedural measures as in larger states. Despite its smaller size, the Union Territory holds significant political importance, with closely fought contests expected across constituencies.
Officials said counting will follow standard protocols, beginning with postal ballots before moving to EVMs. Security forces have been deployed to maintain order, with strict access control at counting venues. Surveillance and monitoring systems have also been activated to ensure smooth operations.
With all five regions prepared and security tightened, the counting day is set to unfold under close watch, as India awaits a decisive electoral verdict that could reshape political equations across states.