
As counting began for the high-stakes Assembly elections across Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in New Delhi turned into a hub of culinary activity, reflecting both anticipation and celebration.
With party workers and supporters expected in large numbers, preparations were underway from the early hours, blending political tension with the comforting aroma of traditional Indian dishes.
Even before the first votes were counted, the kitchens were alive with activity. A dedicated team began work at dawn, ensuring that no supporter would go hungry on this crucial day.
Speaking to ANI, the chef detailed the scale of preparations. "We have been preparing since 4 in the morning. Food is being prepared for approximately 400 to 500 people. The breakfast menu features a wide variety of items, including sandwiches, aloo poori, poha, and jalebi. To complement the meal, fresh fruits, lassi, rabri, and traditional mishti doi have also been prepared," he said.
The spread reflects a mix of North Indian staples and Bengali sweets, mirroring the political importance of states like West Bengal in the electoral battle.
As the day progresses and results begin to take shape, an elaborate lunch has also been planned to keep the energy levels high.
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The chef added, "For lunch, we have dal tadka, kadhi pakoda, parwal aloo, rice, and papad."
Desserts remain central to the celebration, with Bengali Rasogulla and jalebis prepared in large quantities to serve hundreds of attendees through the day.
All food arrangements are being handled by a specialised team of 22 members, ensuring smooth service for the expected crowd of 400–500 people.
While the kitchens buzz with activity, the political process is unfolding across the country. Counting is underway in 823 constituencies spanning West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
The process began with postal ballots, followed by Electronic Voting Machine counts starting at 8:30 am. Results are being updated round-by-round in real time on the ECINET platform and the Election Commission’s official portal.
Security has been heightened at all counting centres to ensure a smooth and secure process
(With inputs from ANI)