Central government officials for counting votes: SC to consider TMC's petition tomorrow

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress moved the Supreme Court against the appointment of central government employees for counting of votes in the West Bengal elections. The Trinamool Congress had approached the court challenging the Election Commission's decision to appoint only employees of the central government and public sector undertakings as counting supervisors and assistants for the counting of votes to be held on May 4. Chief Justice Surya Kant posted the petition for urgent consideration on Saturday.

Trinamool alleged that there is no such mandatory provision in the Election Commission's handbook and said that the provision was being implemented only in West Bengal. Trinamool also argued that deputing central government employees for counting votes would lead to biased decisions. However, the Calcutta court had clarified that the Election Commission has the power to appoint officials.