TMC Candidate Alleges Irregularities in Election Document Management
In a recent development, TMC candidate Shashi Panja has accused the Election Commission of mishandling election documents in the Shyampukur constituency. She highlighted that crucial papers for monitoring the counting process were being discarded, raising questions about the integrity of the election. Meanwhile, BJP candidate Purnima Chakraborty expressed optimism about the party's prospects under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. This situation unfolds just a day before the counting, with both parties gearing up for a significant electoral battle in Bengal.
| May 4, 2026, 09:20 IST
Allegations of Election Irregularities
Shashi Panja, a leader and candidate from the TMC in the Shyampukur constituency, raised concerns on Monday regarding irregularities in the handling of election documents. She claimed that documents used for monitoring the counting process were being discarded and questioned the conduct at the counting centers. Speaking to the media, Panja stated, 'We bring all the necessary papers to oversee the counting. This is the responsibility of the Election Commission. Everything is being thrown away. Are we here to create a conflict? Did we come armed with guns and ammunition?' This incident came to light after VVPAT slips, allegedly obtained from booth number 29 in the Noapara assembly, were found discarded in Subhash Nagar of Ichapur Nilganj Panchayat, just a day before the counting in the state.
Investigation and Reactions
CPIM candidate Gargi Chatterjee and police arrived at the scene. Meanwhile, the Election Commission stated that upon investigation, it was revealed that the VVPAT slips shown were related to a mock poll conducted before the voting and not to the actual voting that took place on election day. A formal complaint has been lodged for further investigation and necessary action. Additionally, BJP candidate Purnima Chakraborty from the Shyampukur constituency expressed confidence in victory, asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the lotus will bloom in Bengal and that the party will form the government in the state.
BJP's Confidence in Victory
Chakraborty remarked, 'With the blessings of the people of Bengal, the lotus is set to bloom under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The BJP is on its way to forming the government here.' Regarding the re-polling in Falta on May 21, she mentioned that attempts to steal votes were made, but thanked the Election Commission for its role this time. 'This is the first election in Bengal where there have been no murders, kidnappings, or rapes, no vandalism in homes, and no harassment of people, nor arson in fields... Rest assured, the people of Bengal will reclaim their rights this time and show the 'thieving TMC' its place.'