Mamata Banerjee Raises Concerns Over Power Cuts Ahead of Vote Counting in West Bengal
As vote counting begins in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised alarms about intentional power cuts and security lapses in strongrooms. She has called on party workers to remain vigilant amid allegations of CCTV cameras being turned off in critical areas. The BJP is mounting its strongest challenge yet, following a significant defeat in the last assembly elections. With heightened security measures in place, the political tension in the state is palpable as both parties prepare for the outcome.
| May 4, 2026, 09:21 IST
Allegations of Power Cuts and Security Concerns
Just hours before the counting of votes commenced, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused certain areas of experiencing deliberate power outages. She urged party workers to remain vigilant outside the strongrooms where votes are secured. In a post on social media, Banerjee claimed to have received reports from various locations, including Serampore in Hooghly, Krishnanagar in Nadia, Ausgram in Bardhaman, and the Kshudiram Anushilan Center in Kolkata, indicating systematic power cuts. She noted that CCTV cameras were reportedly turned off and that there was movement of vehicles within the strongroom premises. Banerjee called on her party members to maintain overnight surveillance.
TMC Leaders Voice Concerns
TMC leader Mahua Moitra asserted that the CCTV cameras in the strongrooms of four assembly constituencies—Krishnanagar North, Chapra, Kaliaganj, and Nakashipara—were non-operational for over two minutes late at night. She raised questions about the election commission and state officials, warning that her party is on high alert.
The Political Landscape in West Bengal
Will BJP Breach Mamata's Stronghold in Bengal?
As the vote counting began on May 4, all eyes were on West Bengal, where Mamata Banerjee faces her toughest challenge yet from the BJP. The BJP has long viewed this state as a crucial battleground. In the 2021 assembly elections, the TMC achieved a remarkable victory, securing 215 seats compared to the BJP's 77. This time, the BJP has ramped up its campaign efforts, prompting the election commission to deploy a record 2.4 million central security forces, reflecting the state's history of election-related violence. The issue of violence dominated the campaign, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah addressing it in over 50 rallies.