Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: As counting got under way for high-stakes elections across 823 constituencies in four states and one Union Territory, early postal ballot trends showed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance ahead in West Bengal while wildcard entrant Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was making inroads in Tamil Nadu.Meanwhile, trends showed BJP ahead in Assam with 25 seats, while the Indian National Congress-led alliance was ahead in seven.In Kerala, a close contest is emerging between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), with both crossing 50 leads each.In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was ahead of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance, while in West Bengal, the contest remained tight between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress.These figures are based on initial postal ballot trends.As counting began, patrolling with armoured vehicles was reported in Malda, West Bengal. Strong rooms were opened across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry ahead of the counting process.A verbal clash broke out between polling agents at a counting centre in West Bengal, with TMC alleging its agents were not allowed to carry files and pens inside, while BJP agents were permitted to do so. A TMC polling agent said the rules should be applied equally.BJP, however, accused TMC agents of not carrying identity cards required for entry and alleged they were creating unnecessary disruption.In Tamil Nadu, heavy three-layer security was deployed early Monday morning for the counting process. Security personnel were stationed at entry points, with barricades and vehicle checks in place.Loyola College was among the key counting centres, housing EVMs for votes cast by nearly 4.8 crore voters. Queen Mary’s College and Anna University were also designated as counting centres.
