As the 2026 Assembly election cycle moves toward its final and most critical phase, the administration in Guwahati has taken stringent measures to ensure public order. Shri Swapneel Paul, IAS, the District Magistrate of Kamrup (Metropolitan), has officially issued a prohibitory order for May 4, 2026—the designated counting day for five Legislative Assembly Constituencies (LACs) within the district. The order aims to maintain tranquility and safety as the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre prepares to host the counting personnel and political representatives.
The directive was issued under the powers conferred by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This section, which replaces the familiar Section 144 of the old CrPC, allows the magistrate to take immediate action to prevent danger to human life, health, or safety and to thwart potential disturbances to public peace. The administration highlighted that the high-stakes environment of a counting centre often attracts large crowds, which can lead to volatility if not properly managed.
Specific restrictions have been placed on celebratory activities that typically follow election results. The order strictly prohibits the bursting of firecrackers, the launch of victory processions, and loud sloganeering by supporters within a 200-metre radius of the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre. The District Magistrate noted that such activities are likely to cause nuisance, disturb the peace, and potentially create panic among the security forces and counting personnel tasked with the free and fair conduct of the process.
The prohibition is set to be operative for the entirety of Counting Day, beginning from 00:00 hours (midnight) on May 4, 2026, until 23:59 hours, or until the formal declaration of results is completed—whichever is later. This comprehensive timeframe ensures that the environment remains controlled from the moment the first ballot is counted until the final candidate is certified as the winner.
The order also carries significant legal weight regarding enforcement. Any individual found contravening these directives will be liable for penal action under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023. This emphasizes the administration's zero-tolerance policy toward any activity that could disrupt the judicial-administrative sanctity of the counting process. Local police and executive magistrates have been deployed across the Kamrup (Metro) district to monitor the 200-metre zone and enforce the ban.
This proactive stance by the Guwahati administration reflects the broader security strategy for the 2026 polls, where the goal is to prevent post-poll violence or logistical delays. By restricting victory gatherings to areas away from the counting site, the authorities aim to ensure that the transition of power or the reaffirmation of leadership happens in a dignified and secure manner.
For political parties and their supporters, the message is clear: while the democratic right to celebrate is acknowledged, the safety of the public and the integrity of the counting centre take precedence. Supporters are encouraged to follow the results via official channels and keep their celebrations within the legal boundaries set by the district authorities.
In conclusion, the imposition of Section 163 at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre is a vital step in safeguarding the final chapter of the West Bengal and Assam electoral process. As the votes are tallied on Monday, the focus will remain on the numbers, supported by a silent and secure perimeter in the heart of Guwahati. The success of this order will rely on the cooperation of the public and the vigilance of the Kamrup (Metro) police force.