Kolkata, May 19  Authorities on Thursday began counting the millions of votes cast in the West Bengal assembly elections. The process started at 90 counting centres across the state at 8 a.m.

The fate of 1,961 candidates, including 198 women, stored in 77,413 electronic voting machines would be known during the day.

Around 82.80 percent of the 6.55 crore electorate voted in the elections held from April 4 to May 5 to elect a 294-member assembly.

A total of 294 counting observers have been deployed along with 78 companies of central forces.

The ruling Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Left Front-Congress alliance are the main contenders for power. The BJP is contesting in 291 seats.