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As counting for the Assembly elections 2026 in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry started on Monday morning, May 4, activity picked up quickly at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Preparations had begun well in advance as the first trends came in, with a dedicated team of 22 cooks who started their work around 4 am.
The idea was to provide a steady supply of food for party workers and supporters, estimated at around 400 to 500, who were expected to gather at the party office throughout the day. Large batches of meals were planned to be served in phases, keeping in mind the long hours of counting and the constant footfall at the venue.
Counting is also underway for by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states, adding to the overall political buzz of the day.
As per the reports, BJP offices have organised a mix of simple breakfasts, filling lunches and ready-to-serve snacks to handle the day’s swiftness. At the same time, sweets, an important part of any milestone, are also kept ready, reserved for later stages when trends become more precise.
What Is Being Served At BJP Headquarters During Vote Counting Day?
Food preparation at BJP headquarters started well before sunrise, with kitchens reportedly active from as early as 4 am as the meals are being prepared for nearly 400 to 500 people.
Breakfast is designed to be both filling as well as with variety, keeping in mind the different preferences. The spread includes regular, familiar and easy-to-eat options such as sandwiches, alongside more classic choices such as aloo poori and poha. Jalebis add a hint of indulgence to the breakfast spread, offering something sweet, well in advance, without waiting for the final results.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Alongside these, there is a strong focus on balance, such as fresh fruits to provide a lighter option, whereas beverages such as lassi keep things cooling and refreshing throughout the intensity of the day. Richer items such as rabri and classic mishti doi give a distinctly festive note, even as the mood remains estimated.
Lunch, however, has a more structured, homely feeling. The menu includes dal tadka and kadhi pakoda, both enjoyable and widely favoured by almost everyone, that is paired with parwal aloo ki sabzi, rice and crisp papad. The focus here is undoubtedly on familiarity and ease, food that can be served in bulk, eaten fast and still feels satisfying.
Desserts are prepared with a clear nod to the region. Bengali rasogulla is the highlight of the event, prominently along with jalebis, reinforcing the tradition of marking key moments with sweets.
PM Modi’s Viral Jhalmuri Stop In Jhargram
In a widely shared moment during his West Bengal campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an undecided stop in Jhargram, away from the rally location and into a local street setting. On April 19, in between a tight campaign schedule, he pulled over at a roadside stall and ordered jhalmuri, the region’s much-loved puffed-rice snack.
The short break quickly gained attention for its spontaneity. What followed was a simple, candid interaction with the street vendor, where PM Modi was seen asking about his family and background. The moment, incorporating routine street food with a high-profile campaign track, resonated widely online and stood out as an occasional pause in an otherwise tightly structured political schedule.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: A High-Stakes Contest
The BJP appears poised for a powerful breakthrough in West Bengal, with early trends indicating the possibility of its first government formation in the state since Independence. This election comes after a notable voter roll revision exercise, adding another layer of awareness to the outcome. After remaining 15 years in power, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) is encountering tough competition, with the numbers denoting a closely observed shift in the state’s political geography. The polling in the state was held in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
