On Monday, as counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections progressed, Kolkata was absorbed in the unfolding results
Images by Amit Datta and Soumyajit DeyFrom roadside tea stalls to living rooms, people were glued to television and mobile screens, tracking minute-by-minute updates
Small groups gathering near counting centres, watching closely as trends begin to emerge after 11am
Security is stringent across the city around all counting centres. A three-layer security is in place, with central forces deployed inside and within the compounds
The Kolkata police have secured areas up to 200 metres from each centre, ensuring controlled movement in sensitive zones
Around 200 companies of central forces have been stationed across counting centres in the state
Deployment varies depending on the number of Assembly constituencies linked to each venue, with larger contingents at centres handling multiple strongrooms
Each constituency is guarded by a platoon of 30 to 50 personnel
In Kalighat, a high-tension area, the lane outside Mamata Banerjee’s house was deserted with heavy security deployment
A Trinamool supporter was seen carrying hoardings of Mamata Banerjee while another supporter turned up with his face painted showing his support