Goa, May 3 -- Ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, the Election Commission of India has assured that elaborate security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.

Speaking to reporters, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said the counting would be conducted in a "free and fair manner," stressing that authorities are fully prepared. "There will be no unrest anywhere. Tomorrow's counting will take place peacefully," he said.

Echoing similar confidence, the state's special electoral roll observer Subrata Gupta stated that preparations have been completed and there is "no possibility of vote theft or irregularities." He added that both central and state ...