West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: EVM Strongroom Controversy in Kolkata Resolved as Routine Procedure

A late-night political drama unfolded in Kolkata on Thursday following the conclusion of the second and final phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections. Allegations of suspicious activity at an EVM strongroom quickly escalated tensions, drawing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress to the site. However, the Election Commission clarified that the observed movements were part of standard postal ballot processing, bringing the episode to a relatively calm close ahead of the May 4 counting day.

At the end, as the TMC protests fizzled out, Mamata directed her party workers to maintain a strict 24/7 vigil outside strongrooms, with replacements in place even for loo breaks. | India Today

The Spark of Controversy

The incident began after a video circulated showing activity inside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, which stores EVMs from seven North Kolkata Assembly constituencies. This footage prompted concerns among Trinamool Congress workers and candidates about possible irregularities with postal ballots. The strongroom complex includes separate facilities for EVMs and postal ballots, and the timing—shortly after polling ended—added to the initial unease in an already high-stakes electoral environment.

TMC Leaders’ Response and On-Ground Developments

Trinamool Congress candidates Sashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh reached the area and staged a sit-in near Netaji Indoor Stadium, located close to the strongroom. Party supporters soon gathered, creating a scene of heightened activity. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proceeded to the Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata, the counting centre for her Bhabanipur constituency. She remained there for nearly four hours, personally reviewing the situation at the facility storing EVMs and ballots from her seat.

Banerjee emerged after midnight and addressed her party workers, stressing the need for continuous vigilance. She urged them to maintain a strict 24/7 watch outside all strongrooms, ensuring no gaps in monitoring. Her message underscored the importance of safeguarding the electoral process in the final days before counting.

Election Commission’s Detailed Clarification

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, along with District Election Officer Smita Pandey, held a midnight press conference to address the concerns. They explained that no electricity is allowed inside the strongrooms, leading officials to use torches during the segregation of postal ballots in the corridors. This process involved sorting ballots cast by polling personnel and service voters, a standard step carried out constituency-wise across the state.

All political parties had received prior information via email about the 4 pm start time for segregation. The EVM strongrooms themselves remained fully sealed and locked, monitored by CCTV with footage accessible from outside. Officials emphasised that the activity was limited to the dedicated postal ballot room and followed established protocols, with authorised representatives informed in advance. This clarification helped ease immediate tensions at the site.

Broader Electoral Context

The strongroom episode occurred against the backdrop of the intensely contested 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls. The second phase covered 142 seats across several districts, including key urban and semi-urban areas in and around Kolkata. With counting just days away, both major parties have emphasised the need for transparency and security at all counting centres. Multi-layered security arrangements, including central forces, remain in place to ensure smooth proceedings on May 4.

Earlier during polling, reports of technical issues with EVMs and other complaints had surfaced, reflecting the competitive nature of the election. Authorities continue to handle such matters as per standard procedures.

The MGMM Outlook 

The episode around the EVM strongroom in Kolkata exposed a familiar pattern of political theatrics overshadowing institutional processes. The swift escalation by Trinamool Congress leaders, including late-night protests and public alarm, appeared less about genuine procedural concern and more about shaping a narrative of suspicion at a critical electoral moment. Despite prior communication from election authorities regarding postal ballot handling, the reaction suggested either a disregard for established procedures or a calculated attempt to keep tensions alive among supporters. Such actions risk eroding public confidence by amplifying doubts without substantive evidence.

At a broader level, this incident highlights how the ruling party in West Bengal continues to lean on confrontation and optics rather than restraint and accountability. Instead of reinforcing trust in democratic institutions, the aggressive posture and calls for constant surveillance of strongrooms signal a politics driven by insecurity and control. Even after clear clarification from the Election Commission, the reluctance to de-escalate reflects a deeper issue in political conduct—where maintaining pressure and perception takes precedence over facts.

(Sources: India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times)