West Bengal Election Results 2026: Ban on Victory Processions in Kolkata; Police issues Strict Directives

Kolkata: According to the trends emerging from the vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections released on Monday, the BJP has taken the lead in 194 assembly seats. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is leading in 92 seats. Amidst the ongoing vote counting, the Kolkata Police on Monday imposed a ban on victory processions, rallies, and public gatherings across the entire city. A notification regarding this matter has been issued by the police.

What does the notification say?

The notification issued by the Kolkata Police states that no political party will be permitted to organize any kind of public gathering, procession, or rally on May 4. This measure has been taken because the officials engaged in the vote counting process aim to maintain law and order during the counting procedure. This restriction has been enforced across Kolkata amidst tight security arrangements.

According to the order, victory processions may be held on May 5 or thereafter. However, even for this, permission must be obtained from the Officer-in-Charge of the concerned police station. Furthermore, all authorized processions must strictly adhere to existing rules, laws, and guidelines. To ensure the smooth conduct of any event, the conditions stipulated in the granted permission must be fully complied with.

The notification issued by the Kolkata Police states that if there is any violation of the prescribed rules and laws, officials will initiate appropriate legal action in accordance with the provisions of the law. Officers-in-Charge of all police stations have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure that the notification is strictly adhered to.

Was This the Highest Voter Turnout Since Independence?

It is noteworthy that West Bengal has recorded its highest voter turnout since the country's independence. The second phase of the Assembly elections witnessed an impressive voter turnout of 91.66 percent. Voter participation in the first phase stood at 93.19 percent, bringing the overall voter turnout percentage to 92.47 percent.

In How many seats does the BJP Enjoy the lead?

The BJP has taken the lead in the vote-counting trends across 194 assembly seats, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is ahead in 92 seats. In West Bengal's 294-member Legislative Assembly, the majority mark stands at 148. The BJP's lead in the early trends—surpassing this figure—points toward a potential major victory. The BJP appears to be surging ahead in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC maintains its stronghold in parts of Kolkata and select rural bastions.