The security of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) b rooms in Kolkata has triggered a political dispute, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging irregularities and the Election Commission asserting that all procedures were conducted in accordance with rules.
The controversy relates to b rooms set up at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra and Sakhawat Memorial School, where EVMs and postal ballots are stored. On Thursday night, TMC alleged that the b rooms were opened without prior notice and that suspicious activities had taken place. The party termed the development a serious electoral irregularity and initiated protests.
The situation intensified when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the b room at Sakhawat Memorial School and remained there for nearly four hours. Speaking to the media at around 12:07 am upon her exit, she stated that if any attempt was made to tamper with EVMs or manipulate the counting process, her party would not hesitate to risk their lives.
TMC also shared a video on social media platform X, alleging that Election Commission officials and individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were attempting to open ballot boxes without the presence of authorised representatives. The party claimed that the incident occurred at a b room near Netaji Indoor Stadium and described it as an attack on democracy, accusing the Election Commission of bias. It further alleged that such actions were carried out with BJP support, in violation of rules that prohibit such procedures in the absence of political party representatives.
Responding to the allegations, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that all EVMs are secure and that no tampering has occurred. He clarified that the process underway at the time involved the sorting of postal ballots, which is conducted as per established election rules. According to the Commission, all political parties were invited to participate in the process, but several did not attend.
District Election Officer Smita Pandey also stated that the procedure was carried out transparently and in accordance with legal provisions, with no irregularities detected.
The BJP rejected TMC’s allegations, describing them as a political conspiracy. Party spokesperson Naveen Mishra claimed that the presence of a vehicle linked to TMC near the b room was suspicious and suggested it could be associated with a possible attempt to interfere with EVMs. The BJP stated that TMC was attempting to mislead the public due to apprehensions about electoral defeat.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari stated that BJP election agents maintained continuous monitoring of the b rooms and ensured that no irregularities occurred. He asserted that all procedures were conducted transparently and that the allegations made by TMC were politically motivated.
The dispute has heightened political tensions in the state ahead of vote counting. The BJP has convened a high-level meeting in Kolkata to review preparations and strategy for the counting process. According to sources, party leaders from other states who participated in the campaign will also attend the meeting to finalise plans for counting day.
