Victory marches were banned but several Trinamul supporters still gathered on the day of counting outside Bidhannagar College. Unlike at the rallies before the election, most of them were seen wearing masks.

“I am too happy to have stayed back at home today,” said Baisakhi resident Bulbul Sen, mask slipping under her nose. “Of course, I’m scared of Covid kintu ja hobe hobe.” Sanjoy Kundu felt it wasn’t wrong for people to be out on the streets celebrating. “If people are happy it will boost immunity,” he assured.

Many took off their masks to sip tea, eat ice cream, spit and blow noses. With his mask at his chin, Ashish Tiwari said they were focussed on fighting Covid. “Let us not forget that when Sujitda was hospitalised with the infection, he was still making calls and arranging beds for others,” he said.

A barricade had been installed at CA Island and police personnel said the stretch was empty most of the day. “But when the candidates appear, I’m sure supporters will be tough to rein in. But anyone we see without a mask, we are warning,” he said.

Here is a glimpse of a few such daredevils, who threw caution to the wind, along with the reasons they gave why their masks weren’t where they should have been.

Pictures by Debasmita Bhattacharjee