After EVM row, EC says ‘no controversy’; Mamata Banerjee warns of ‘life and death’ fight over tampering
The Statesman | 1 May 2026
After high drama outside a Kolkata strongroom over alleged irregularities, the Election Commission on Thursday rejected claims of EVM tampering, asserting that all machines are “safe and secure” even as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally stepped in to keep vigil ahead of counting.
The controversy, which erupted late Thursday night with protests by Trinamool Congress leaders and allegations of ballot box “opening”, has now shifted into a political and procedural standoff, with the poll body defending its processes and the ruling party doubling down on its concerns just days before results.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal dismissed the allegations, saying there was no “controversy” and that procedures were followed as per rules. He also said candidates had been informed in advance, and some had visited the site.
“No CCTV was turned off. CCTV footage of all 8 strong rooms… is being telecast. Political parties’ people can sit beyond the three-layer security and see this,” Agarwal told ANI, clarifying that the activity seen was related to the opening of the postal ballot room.
“They saw some movement around 4 pm when our staff was opening the postal ballot room as per the rules. As per the rule, all political parties were informed, and all candidates were informed by the RO (Returning Officer). They should have come here…After 4 pm, 3 candidates had come, and they saw everything that the EVMs’ strong rooms were sealed while the postal ballot’s strong room was open. The 3 then left,” said Agarwal.
Election Commission officials reiterated that all strong rooms containing polled EVMs remain sealed and secured, and what took place was routine segregation of postal ballots in a separate area.
“All strong rooms containing polled EVMs are safely secured and sealed,” an official said, adding that returning officers had informed candidates and agents via email about the procedure.
The poll body also sought to counter allegations circulating on social media, including a video shared by the Trinamool Congress claiming “gross electoral fraud”.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders dismissed the allegations as “rumours”, accusing the TMC of preparing ground for a possible defeat.
Even as the EC issued clarifications, Mamata Banerjee visited the Bhabanipur strongroom late Thursday night, saying she had received reports of possible manipulation.
“When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it,” she said, alleging that in some places “manipulation is taking place”.
The Chief Minister also claimed her party was facing a “one-sided” approach from the Election Commission and warned of a strong response if any attempt was made to tamper with EVMs or counting.
“If someone tries to steal the EVM machine… we will fight life and death together,” she said.
Banerjee also urged party candidates and workers to remain alert and maintain continuous presence outside strongrooms through the night.
On the ground, tensions briefly escalated outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium counting centre, where TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged a protest over alleged “suspicious movement”.
Workers of the TMC and BJP raised slogans against each other, leading to a brief scuffle before police intervened.
Ghosh questioned the timing of the strongroom access, saying party representatives had left the premises before being informed that it would be opened.
After discussions with Election Commission officials and assurances on monitoring, including demands for more CCTV coverage, the protest was later withdrawn.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, with political tensions running high after a record voter turnout and a closely contested campaign.
Exit polls have largely predicted a BJP advantage, though the Trinamool Congress has rejected the projections and signalled it will closely monitor the counting process.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, has maintained that there will be “100 per cent neat and clean” counting, with no scope for irregularities.