Mamata Banerjee’s 4-hour strongroom vigil, EVM tampering claims: What unfolded in Bengal overnight

A high-voltage political drama unfolded in West Bengal late Thursday, just a day after the final phase of polling, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spending nearly four hours at an EVM strongroom in Kolkata amid allegations of tampering.

Banerjee arrived at the Sakhawat Memorial School strongroom in Bhabanipur as a candidate and stayed inside the premises until shortly after midnight, saying she had come to “take stock” following complaints of irregularities. She claimed central forces initially prevented her entry before allowing access as per election rules, which permit candidates to approach sealed strongroom areas.

“There must be transparency. People’s votes must be protected,” she said, warning that any attempt to manipulate the counting process would be strongly resisted ahead of the May 4 results.

BJP counters allegations

The BJP hit back sharply. Senior leader Suvendu Adhikari, contesting against Banerjee in Bhabanipur, accused her of theatrics and said his representatives were present to ensure no “undue advantage” was taken.

State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya claimed the ruling party was anticipating defeat, asserting that “people have already delivered their verdict.”

Protests and rising tensions

Earlier in the day, leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra strongroom facility, alleging suspicious activity based on CCTV footage. Party leaders claimed outsiders were seen handling ballot materials and questioned why strongrooms were reopened without their knowledge.

Banerjee also urged party workers to maintain a round-the-clock vigil at strongrooms, alleging possible attempts to swap EVMs or alter data. The situation grew tense as both TMC and BJP supporters gathered at sensitive counting centres, prompting police deployment in anti-riot gear.

Election Commission rejects claims

The Election Commission of India dismissed the allegations, stating that all EVM strongrooms were sealed in the presence of candidates and observers after polling and remained secure.

Officials clarified that the activity seen in the footage involved authorised handling of postal ballots in a separate strongroom, with all procedures communicated in advance to political parties.

The developments come amid a flood of complaints during the election process, with the commission reportedly receiving over 2,000 grievances. Authorities said all complaints are under review, and appropriate action—including repolling—would be taken if violations are confirmed.