Political Tensions Escalate in West Bengal Ahead of 2026 Assembly Election Results
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results draw near, political tensions have surged dramatically. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised alarms about potential tampering with EVM machines, vowing to fight against any irregularities. Her visit to the counting center sparked protests and clashes between TMC and BJP supporters, highlighting the charged atmosphere in the state. With accusations flying and both parties on high alert, the situation remains tense as the election results approach. This article delves into the unfolding drama and the implications for the political landscape in West Bengal.
| May 1, 2026, 10:29 IST
Political Turmoil in West Bengal
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results approach, political tensions in the state have reached a boiling point. A significant uproar erupted in Bhawanipur, Kolkata, around midnight on Thursday when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the strong room and counting center located at the Sakhawat Memorial School. She accused officials of attempting to manipulate the EVM machines. Banerjee vowed to fight against any irregularities in the EVMs "until her last breath." After spending nearly four hours at the counting center, she emerged around 12:07 AM, stating that only one person would be allowed inside the designated counting area.
High-Stakes Contest in Bhawanipur
Bhawanipur is a high-profile constituency where a fierce contest is underway between TMC leader Banerjee and BJP's Suvendu Adhikari.
Initially barred from entering the strong room, Banerjee eventually gained access. She met with the Returning Officer (RO) and cited regulations that permit candidates and election agents from any party to access sealed rooms, but not to enter the sealed areas themselves.
Banerjee's Strong Stance Against EVM Tampering
Speaking to reporters after her visit, the Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to oppose any attempts to tamper with the votes. She criticized the Election Commission for negligence.
She stated, "We have received reports of tampering where the EVMs are stored. I decided to come and see for myself. Upon my arrival, central forces denied me entry. However, according to the rules, candidates and election agents should be allowed to access sealed rooms, not the sealed areas. I sought permission from the RO, after which I was allowed inside."
Call for Vigilance Among Election Agents
Banerjee added, "If anyone attempts to steal votes from the EVM machines, I will fight until my last breath. I urge all election agents from various parties to ensure the security of their votes, but do not engage in conflicts; this is not the time for disputes. The state police are not operating under our authority; since the day the elections were announced, they have been under the Election Commission. There seems to be a 'superpower' exerting pressure on them."
Clashes Outside the Counting Center
Clashes Erupt Between BJP and TMC Workers at Counting Center
While Banerjee was inside the counting center, chaos ensued outside. BJP workers staged a protest in front of a TMC mini-truck, blocking its path. They alleged that the vehicle was carrying "fake EVM machines intended for tampering with the votes and was headed to the strong room."
The truck displayed TMC logos and flags. One BJP worker claimed, "They (TMC) will place fake machines and tamper with them... What is the TMC vehicle doing outside the counting center?" Another worker added, "There is something in that vehicle. Mamata Banerjee has brought something in her vehicle. This truck will not be allowed to proceed."
Rising Tensions in Bengal Ahead of May 4 Results
Rising Tensions in Bengal Ahead of May 4 Results
This incident coincided with protests by TMC candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja outside the Khudiram Anushilan Center in North Kolkata. They staged a sit-in, alleging that there were discrepancies and potential tampering with the EVMs stored in the strong room, leading to clashes between TMC and BJP supporters.
Earlier, in a video message, Banerjee urged party leaders, workers, and polling agents to maintain a vigilant watch over the EVM strong room 24/7. She accused the BJP of attempting to tamper with the machines before the counting began.
Her remarks came amid heightened political tensions following the closely contested assembly elections in the state, with all political parties closely monitoring security arrangements and expressing concerns over the transparency of the electoral process.
VIDEO | Kolkata: West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night landed up at the Sakhawat Memorial School in South Kolkata, the counting centre for the Bhabanipur assembly segment, which houses the strong room for EVMs of the polls which were held… pic.twitter.com/Rux9oXEDDN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2026