Mamata Banerjee alleges EVM tampering attempt:EC denies, TMC releases video alleging ‘suspicious activity’ inside strong room

A day after the second phase of polling in West Bengal, a high-voltage drama erupted in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress has released a video alleging ‘suspicious activity’ inside the strong room in Kolkata. Watch the video first- TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja also staged a sit-in protest outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium strong room and sought clarification from the Election Commission over the alleged activity shown in the video.
Kunal Ghosh raised concerns, alleging possible EVM tampering, while the Commission has rejected all such allegations and clarified that strong rooms are secure and remain sealed.
Protest called off after EC’s clarification After a short sit-in protest, both leaders called it off. Following the conclusion of the protest, Kunal Ghosh said the developments amounted to a lapse on the part of the Election Commission. He stated that it had been agreed that no strong room would be opened without prior official intimation, describing the incident as a violation of that understanding. He added that additional CCTV cameras would be installed at the site, with live monitoring visible on screens, and noted that the party had conveyed its observations to the authorities before calling off the protest. Ghosh emphasised that his party would continue to monitor the situation within the bounds of the law, reiterating that their protest was against what they viewed as an unauthorised opening of a strong room without prior notice. Questioning the response of the BJP, he asked why the party appeared “troubled” by their objections, suggesting it raised concerns about intent. Allegations of EVM tampering surface I was initially denied entry but was allowed in after permission from the RO. I have asked for bio-toilets and proper shelter for TMC agents amid the rain. Our agents are being arrested and facing atrocities, while attempts are being made to tamper with and loot EVMs. I will stay here and keep watch. If needed, I can bring 10,000 people. The state police are under the Election Commission, but they are being pressured by a “superpower” and feel threatened. Observers will leave in a few days, but we will ensure strict action against those responsible. EVM tampering has already taken place, which is why I am here. The BJP circulated exit poll data to the media at 1:08 pm today. I have copies. They made similar mistakes earlier; my indication is enough. What did EC say ?
In response to the alleged video shared by TMC on X, EC officials clarified the following- Exit polls were shown at the behest of BJP Earlier in the day, Mamata Banerjee issued a video message, asserting that the TMC would return to power in West Bengal. She claimed the party would secure more than 226 of the 294 seats in the state assembly. Banerjee alleged that exit polls had been influenced at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine the morale of TMC workers. She further accused central forces of acting as agents of the BJP during the election process. ALSO READ | Today’s Chanakya exit poll predicts BJP victory in West Bengal: Axis My India projects UDF govt in Kerala Stalin’s return in Tamil Nadu Mamata safeguarding strong room West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached Sakhawat Memorial School in Bhabanipur on Thursday evening, as the premises serve as the strong room for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. She entered the campus at around 8:15 pm and has remained there since, personally overseeing and guarding the EVM strong room. 163 imposed in front of Sakhwat Memorial School Section 163 (prohibitory orders) has been imposed in the area to prevent any escalation of tension. Heavy police deployment has been put in place, along with central forces including CRPF personnel, to ensure tight security of the strong room and maintain law and order. CEO says, separation of postal ballots was being carried out in a corridor Meanwhile, tension gripped the area as BJP and TMC workers gathered outside the strong room. A scuffle broke out between supporters of both parties, prompting immediate police intervention. Amid the controversy, the Election Commission of India clarified on Thursday night that the separation of postal ballots was being carried out in a corridor at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. Addressing a press conference, the Commission said that no electricity connection is permitted inside the strong room as per rules. Therefore, officials were using torches to carry out the process. The Commission further stated that the work is still ongoing and that all political parties have been duly informed about the procedure. An official communication has also been sent via email to concerned stakeholders.