Political tensions escalated in Kolkata as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leveled serious allegations of tampering against the Election Commission of India (ECI), claiming that ballot boxes in an EVM strongroom had been opened illegally. The situation intensified with party leaders staging a protest and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announcing her intention to personally investigate the matter.
Protests Erupt at Netaji Indoor Stadium
The conflict began when Shashi Panja, a party leader, and Kunal Ghosh, the TMC candidate for the Beleghata assembly constituency, held a dharna outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium. Their protest followed claims that the ECI and the BJP had opened strong rooms to access ballot boxes without the presence of necessary stakeholders.
The sit-in occurred as a significant contingent of Kolkata Police, equipped with anti-riot gear, arrived at the scene. Kunal Ghosh alleged that while party supporters were present until 3:30 pm, a sudden email sent at 4:00 pm informed them the strongroom would be reopened, but party members were subsequently barred from entering while the BJP was allegedly invited.
Ghosh further questioned the movement of ballot papers and the processing of postal ballots, asking why the party was not properly informed if such processes were occurring.
Election Commission Denies Tampering
The Election Commission of India dismissed the tampering claims, stating that the segregation of ballots was conducted only after all political parties had been notified via email. In a detailed nine-point response addressing CCTV footage shared on social media, the ECI maintained that all strong rooms containing polled EVMs remain safely secured and locked.
The ECI explained that a separate strong room exists on the premises specifically for postal ballots. According to the commission, the segregation of these ballots took place in the corridor of the strong rooms starting at 4:00 pm, a process that was reportedly shown to Kunal Ghosh, Shashi Panja, and a representative from the BJP named Kali.
Mamata Banerjee Urges Vigilance
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called on her party workers to remain vigilant and stay up all night to guard EVM strongrooms. She claimed the BJP has “played the final game” and suggested that the “real figures” could have impacted the share markets if released.
Banerjee warned her supporters that there may be plans to swap EVMs or manipulate computer data to switch numbers between the TMC and the BJP. She stated that she would guard the strongrooms herself if necessary and urged workers not to leave the counting tables until she holds a press conference.
Mixed Exit Poll Projections
The dispute over the strongrooms comes amid conflicting exit poll data regarding the fate of the West Bengal Assembly. Some pollsters suggest a narrow or clear victory for the BJP, while others project a TMC win.
- Matrize: Predicts the BJP may win 146–161 seats, while the TMC+ could win 125–140.
- P-Marq: Projects the BJP leading with 150–175 seats and the TMC winning 118–138.
- Poll Diary: Predicts a BJP victory with 142–171 seats and the TMC securing 99–127.
- Today’s Chanakya: Forecasts a major sweep for the BJP with over 192 seats, leaving the TMC and its alliance with around 100.
- People’s Pulse: Suggests the TMC government may retain power with 177–187 seats, while the BJP secures 95–110.
Potential Future Developments
Given the current atmosphere, there is a possibility that tensions could rise further as counting begins. The situation may lead to increased security deployments at counting halls, and the outcome could be contested if the winning margins are slim and party leaders continue to allege machinery manipulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the specific allegations made by the TMC?
The TMC alleged that the Election Commission and the BJP opened ballot boxes in EVM strong rooms without the presence of relevant stakeholders and that party members were barred from entering while the BJP was invited.
How did the Election Commission respond to the tampering claims?
The ECI dismissed the allegations, stating that all polled EVM strong rooms are safely secured and locked. They clarified that the activity seen was the segregation of postal ballots in a corridor, a process for which political parties were notified by mail.
What did Mamata Banerjee ask her supporters to do?
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged party workers to stay up all night to guard EVM strongrooms and instructed them not to leave counting tables until she holds a press conference, citing fears that EVMs could be swapped or data changed in computers.
Do you believe that increased party presence at strongrooms ensures transparency or adds to the tension of the electoral process?
