Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission of Rigging Amid Ongoing Voting in West Bengal

Allegations of Election Fraud in Bhabanipur

On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised serious allegations of electoral fraud during the ongoing second phase of voting, accusing the Election Commission's observers of behaving like terrorists. In Bhabanipur, she briefly encountered her rival, Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in West Bengal. As Suvendu arrived in Bhabanipur, Mamata was already stationed at Ward Number 70. Suvendu repeatedly remarked, "Look at them. No one will vote for them today." Earlier, Mamata claimed that central forces were forcibly entering the homes of her party members to intimidate voters. These comments were made during her meeting with TMC councillor Ashish Bose in Kolkata, where she further alleged that central forces had entered Bose's residence late last night, prompting her visit this morning.

Mamata's Claims of Violence and Intimidation

Mamata, contesting from the Bhabanipur assembly constituency, stated, "Look at how our worker was beaten last night. Witness this brutality. What kind of hooliganism is this? Voting should not occur this way. It is a festival of democracy, but they have completely ruined it. The intention is clear: the BJP wants to rig the elections by force. Our workers and people are ready to die, but they will not leave this place." In response to her accusations, Suvendu claimed that she was "roaming with goons" and attempting to intimidate voters. He also alleged that Hindu voters were being threatened during the voting process in Bhabanipur.

Focus on Bhabanipur Amidst Tensions

All eyes are on Bhabanipur, where voting is currently taking place. In 2021, Mamata challenged Suvendu in his home turf of Nandigram, where he narrowly defeated her. In 2026, Suvendu aims to turn the tables by challenging Mamata in her stronghold of Bhabanipur, with the goal of ousting her from power.

Mamata's Unusual Voting Routine

Breaking from her usual practice of voting at Mitra Institution School in the afternoon from her residence in Kalighat, Banerjee left early before 8 AM and visited several polling stations in her constituency, including areas in South Kolkata like Chetla. She sat outside a polling station in Chakberia, Bhabanipur, alleging irregularities in the voting process. She accused the BJP of attempting to influence the voting through central forces and observers.