Mamata visits counting centre, alleges EVM irregularities
High drama unfolded overnight in Kolkata’s Bhabanipur as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a counting centre alleging possible tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), triggering a tense standoff between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The incident took place at the Sakhawat Memorial School, where EVMs for the Bhabanipur assembly seat were stored in a strong room ahead of counting.
Mamata visits strong room, alleges irregularities
Banerjee arrived late at night and spent nearly four hours at the premises before emerging around 12:07 am.
Initially denied access beyond the designated area, she was later allowed entry after obtaining permission from the Returning Officer.
“We have got reports that manipulation is happening where EVMs have been stored. I decided to see it myself, when I arrived here, the central forces didn’t allow me to enter. However, as per the rules, the candidate and election agent of any party is allowed up to the sealed room, not inside the sealed room. However, I took permission from RO then I was allowed to enter,” she said.
VIDEO | Kolkata: West Bengal CM and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night landed up at the Sakhawat Memorial School in South Kolkata, the counting centre for the Bhabanipur assembly segment, which houses the strong room for EVMs of the polls which were held… pic.twitter.com/Rux9oXEDDN
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 1, 2026
‘Will fight till my last breath’ warning
The Chief Minister issued a strong warning against any alleged attempts to tamper with votes.
“I will fight till my last breath if anyone tries to loot EVM machines votes. I am telling this to election agents of all parties, you must safeguard your votes but don’t quarrel, this is not the place to quarrel. The State Police is not working under us, they are under the Election Commission from the day elections were announced. Some super power is working and pressurising them,” she added.
BJP protests over ‘duplicate EVM’ claim
While Banerjee was inside the counting centre, tensions escalated outside as BJP workers blocked a mini-truck linked to the TMC, alleging it was carrying “duplicate EVMs”.
“They (TMC) will put duplicate machines and tamper with them… What is the vehicle of TMC doing outside the counting centre?” one BJP worker said.
“There is something in the vehicle. Mamata Banerjee has brought something in her vehicle. The vehicle will not be allowed to move,” another protester claimed.
VIDEO | A scene was created as few people objected to a TMC vehicle outside the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial School in South Kolkata. Police are present at the spot. #WestBengal #AssemblyPollsWithPTI#WestBengalPollsWithPTI pic.twitter.com/iIPFtwN0uo
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 30, 2026
High-stakes battle in Bhabanipur
Bhabanipur remains one of the most closely watched constituencies, witnessing a direct contest between Banerjee and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
The late-night confrontation has added to the already charged political atmosphere ahead of counting, with both parties trading allegations and closely monitoring developments.
Election Commission yet to respond
There has been no immediate response from the Election Commission of India regarding the allegations made by either side.
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