Political Tensions Rise in Bengal Ahead of Counting Amid EVM Tampering Allegations
As the counting day approaches in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced serious concerns regarding potential tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The TMC has accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the voting process, while the Election Commission has dismissed these claims. Banerjee's late-night visit to the counting center highlights the escalating political tensions, with exit polls suggesting a possible shift in power. This article delves into the unfolding drama as the state awaits election results on May 4.
| May 1, 2026, 16:54 IST
Mamata Banerjee's Concerns Over EVM Integrity
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally visited the strong room and raised concerns about potential tampering with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a claim that the Election Commission has firmly dismissed. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to manipulate EVMs at the Sakawat Memorial School, which serves as the counting center for Banerjee's Bhawanipur constituency. However, election officials have rejected these allegations from the TMC.
In a conversation with a news agency, the District Election Officer (DEO) of North Kolkata, Smita Pandey, explained the legal procedures for separating postal ballots. She noted that officials have been assigned to ensure that personal votes cast at the facility are from different districts or assembly constituencies.
Pandey emphasized that this process is conducted in a "controlled and secure" environment. She added that to prevent unauthorized access, officials are stationed at designated locations. "Our personnel are positioned in the corridors. The EVM strong room is locked and sealed," she stated.
EVM Strong Room Visit by Banerjee Amid Allegations
The DEO of North Kolkata further informed that according to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI), both EVMs and postal ballots are handled separately. She explained, "The EVM room is distinct. The strong room for postal ballots is separate, and we must extract and separate them accordingly."
Banerjee's Late-Night Visit to the EVM Strong Room
In light of the allegations regarding EVM discrepancies, Banerjee spent nearly four hours at the counting center. The TMC leader insisted on the need for transparency and called for the installation of CCTV cameras to ensure a fair process.
She issued a stern warning against any form of tampering, stating that such actions would not be tolerated. Banerjee remarked, "It is essential to maintain transparency. The votes of the people must be safeguarded. I came here immediately after receiving complaints. Initially, the central forces did not allow me to enter." While the TMC has accused the BJP of tampering, the saffron party claims that Thursday's incident reflects Banerjee's desperation, as most exit polls predict setbacks for her in the West Bengal assembly elections, with results to be announced on May 4.
According to exit poll estimates, the BJP is likely to form a government with a clear majority, boosting the party's morale. Conversely, the exit polls suggest that the TMC's tenure may come to an end after three consecutive terms in power.