Mamata Banerjee on Friday issued a sharp warning against alleged tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after spending over three hours inside a strongroom in Kolkata, saying her party would wage a “life-and-death” fight to protect electoral integrity. Her visit to the Bhabanipur strongroom followed protests by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over alleged irregularities, including claims that ballot boxes were accessed without authorised representatives present.
While Banerjee cited CCTV visuals and reports suggesting possible manipulation, the Election Commission (EC) rejected the allegations, asserting that EVMs are secured under strict multi-layer protocols. The development comes just days before counting, intensifying political tensions between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Banerjee’s Strongroom Vigil Sparks Political Flashpoint
The controversy escalated after Banerjee visited the EVM strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial School in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, remaining inside for several hours amid mounting allegations from her party. She said her decision was prompted by CCTV footage and reports of “manipulation” in multiple locations, warning that any attempt to interfere with EVMs or the counting process would be resisted firmly.
TMC leaders had earlier staged protests outside strongrooms in Kolkata, alleging that ballot boxes were opened without the presence of authorised agents, a claim that further fuelled suspicion and prompted heightened vigilance among party workers. However, the Election Commission dismissed these accusations as unfounded, clarifying that the activity seen in videos involved routine procedures such as the segregation of sealed postal ballots and that EVMs remain under continuous CCTV surveillance, sealed access and security oversight.
Election Authorities Defend Process Amid Rising Tensions
Election officials reiterated that EVMs are stored under a robust three-tier security mechanism, including armed guards, CCTV monitoring and restricted access only in the presence of candidates or their authorised representatives. They emphasised that any breach would trigger immediate action and that procedures are designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, the political climate in West Bengal has grown increasingly volatile, with both the TMC and BJP trading allegations over electoral conduct. BJP leaders accused the ruling party of spreading misinformation, while TMC leaders described the situation as a threat to democratic norms. The Chief Electoral Officer has also directed strict vigilance and a “zero tolerance” approach towards any post-poll disturbances, underscoring the heightened security environment ahead of counting day.
A Build-Up Of Distrust Around EVM Security
Concerns over EVM security have been a recurring theme in the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections. In recent days, Banerjee has repeatedly alleged attempts to interfere with the electoral process and urged party workers to remain alert outside strongrooms until counting concludes.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of high voter turnout, intense political rivalry, and a closely contested electoral landscape factors that have heightened scrutiny over every stage of the process, from voting to storage and counting. As counting approaches, the standoff between political parties and election authorities reflects broader concerns about trust, transparency and the credibility of democratic institutions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Allegations around electoral processes carry immense weight and must be addressed with seriousness, evidence and institutional clarity. While vigilance by political actors is a legitimate part of democracy, public confidence can be undermined when claims escalate without substantiated proof. At the same time, authorities must ensure that their communication is transparent, timely and accessible to build trust among all stakeholders.
In moments of heightened political tension, the responsibility lies with both leaders and institutions to prioritise calm, dialogue and democratic integrity over confrontation. Strengthening faith in elections is not just about systems, but also about the collective conduct of those who participate in them. How can political leaders raise concerns responsibly while ensuring public faith in democratic institutions remains strong?
#MamataBanerjee storms #EVM strongroom; #TMC, BJP lock horns over tampering claims: How late-night drama unfolded
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) May 1, 2026
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