The Kolkata Police have issued a ban on victory processions, rallies, and public celebrations on the day of counting for the West Bengal Assembly polls, scheduled for Monday. This directive, signed by Commissioner of Police Ajay Nand, allows for such processions only after obtaining permission from the Officer-in-Charge of the respective police station, effective from May 5, 2026. The police emphasized that any violations will lead to legal consequences. As the counting of votes begins, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 432 Counting Officers to manage the 293 constituencies in the state. Notably, the election for the Falta seat in South 24 Parganas district has been countermanded, with fresh elections planned for later this month. Early counting trends indicate a significant lead for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is currently ahead in approximately 174 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is leading in 102 seats.