May 1, 2026 | Kolkata: Bengal Polls 2026 EVM Row Triggers BJP–TMC Clash Ahead of Counting
A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly election results, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ballot boxes. The accusations gained traction after a viral video and reports of suspicious activity near strongrooms raised concerns. The party also claimed there was an attempted “midnight heist” at a strongroom in Kolkata, intensifying tensions just days before vote counting.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a strongroom in Bhabanipur, South Kolkata, where she stayed for over three hours amid the escalating row. Addressing the media afterward, she asserted her commitment to fighting any irregularities and warned against possible manipulation during the counting process. TMC leaders further cautioned that any interference with the results could trigger strong public backlash across the state.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. Senior leader Dilip Ghosh remarked that “losers tend to complain,” suggesting that the TMC was preparing excuses ahead of the results. Other BJP leaders emphasized that stringent security protocols make tampering impossible and accused the ruling party of spreading misinformation.
The Election Commission of India has also dismissed the claims, assuring that all EVMs and ballot boxes are securely sealed and under constant surveillance with multi-layered security arrangements. Officials reiterated that no unauthorized access is permitted inside strongrooms and stressed that the counting process will be conducted transparently and fairly.
With the counting day approaching, security has been tightened across strongroom locations, and central forces have been deployed to maintain order. Political tensions continue to rise, with both the BJP and the TMC expressing confidence of victory, making the Bengal elections one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
