EC orders phones of Mamata-Suvendu to be seized, asks Abhishek to leave counting centre

On the day of vote counting for the West Bengal assembly election, the Election Commission directed the seizure of mobile phones from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari after they entered the Sakhawat Memorial School counting centre with their phones. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside counting centres .

According to sources, both leaders had their mobile phones confiscated as per regulations. The Commission has stated that vote counting will not commence until they leave the counting centre.

Suvendu Adhikari's chief election agent claimed that counting is currently halted and alleged that Mamata Banerjee entered the counting centre with a mobile phone in hand. He further stated that counting will not begin until Mamata complies with the rules.

Abhishek ordered to leave
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was also present at the Sakhawat Memorial counting centre. As he was neither a candidate nor an authorised agent for any seat, the Election Commission ordered him to leave the premises immediately. No one other than candidates or their authorised agents is permitted inside counting centres.