ECI introduces new QR code-based ID cards for counting centres

Security personnel stand guard outside the counting centre at Bhabanipur constituency ahead of the result declaration of the West Bengal Assembly elections, in Kolkata

| Photo Credit: PTI

The counting centre at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur Assembly constituency witnessed a ruckus a day ahead of the counting of votes, with TMC workers alleging two cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept.The incident comes close on the heels of a four-hour-long sit-in by Ms. Banerjee in front of the same counting centre at the Sakhawat Memorial Girls School on Thursday (April 30, 2026) night, alleging unauthorised entry of persons into the strongroom. Published - May 03, 2026 01:20 pm IST

Security personnel stand guard outside the counting centre at Bhabanipur constituency ahead of the result declaration of the West Bengal Assembly elections, in Kolkata

| Photo Credit: PTI

EVMs, holding the electoral fates of 722 hopefuls from 126 Assembly constituencies of the State, will be opened at 40 counting centres across all 35 districts amid tight security arrangementsUpdated

May 03, 2026 11:55 am IST - Guwahati

Polling officials seal the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units after voting in the Assam Assembly elections, in Tamulpur, on April 9. Counting of votes will be on May 4, 2026.

| Photo Credit: PTI

Published - May 03, 2026 11:47 am IST

Inspection of a counting centre in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, ahead of counting day.

| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Election Commission on Thursday (April 30, 2026) introduced a QR code-based photo identity card system to eliminate the possibility of any unauthorised persons entering counting centres.After its introduction during the counting to be held on May 4 for the Assembly elections of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and the byelections in seven Assembly constituencies across five States, the system will be extended to all future general and byelections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, the EC said in a statement. Published - April 30, 2026 06:08 pm IST

ECI introduces new QR code-based ID cards for counting centres

West Bengal Assembly polls: Ruckus outside counting centre in Mamata’s constituency

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West Bengal Assembly polls: Ruckus outside counting centre in Mamata’s constituency

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