KALIGANJ : The stage is set for the counting of votes for the 80-Kaliganj Assembly Constituency bye-election, scheduled to take place on June 23, 2025, from 8:00 AM onwards at Panighata UDM High School. The counting venue and arrangements have been duly approved by the Election Commission of India (ECI), and all three contesting candidates have been formally notified.
To ensure transparency and security, a three-tier cordon system has been established with adequate deployment of CAPF and armed police forces. The strong room entrance is under constant CCTV surveillance and CAPF guard watch, while the entire counting centre, including the counting halls, is also monitored via CCTV.
The counting centre comprises two counting halls—one each for Postal Ballot and EVM counting—alongside an ETPBS scanning room adjacent to the main area. Each counting hall has seven tables for EVM counting and one for postal ballots.
For efficient handling of the process, 49 Counting Supervisors, 49 Counting Assistants, and 53 Micro Observers, including reserves, have been deployed following the first randomization. Further second and third rounds of randomization of counting personnel will be conducted on June 22 and June 23 (morning), respectively, to finalize appointments.
A team of 11 Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) will support the Returning Officer in the counting process, which will take place in the presence of ECI Observers to ensure adherence to all protocols.
A dedicated Media Facilitation Centre has also been arranged for real-time dissemination of results. It is to be noted that mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the counting halls.
As per ECI norms, once the counting concludes, all polled EVMs and associated documents will be sealed and secured in the District Strong Room under the safe custody of the District Election Officer until the Election Petition (EP) period is over.
