Suvendu Adhikari Claims Mamata 'Under Surveillance', Stresses Strict Monitoring At Bhabanipur Strongroom

The political atmosphere in West Bengal has reached a fever pitch ahead of the election results, as BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed on Friday that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is being kept under "strict surveillance" to prevent any electoral irregularities.

The remarks follow a high-drama midnight visit by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo to an EVM strongroom in the Bhabanipur constituency. Banerjee reportedly spent nearly four hours monitoring the facility, eventually departing at 12:07 am.

"No Undue Advantages"

Adhikari, a former close aide to Banerjee who is now her direct challenger in Bhabanipur, took to social media to reassure the electorate. Sharing an image of the Chief Minister inside the facility, he asserted that the BJP is vigilantly monitoring electronic voting machines (EVMs) and strongrooms to safeguard the democratic process.

"I wish to assure the esteemed community of voters... that the Trinamool candidate from this centre, namely the outgoing chief minister, has been strictly instructed to refrain from availing any undue advantages," Adhikari wrote.

He further suggested that Banerjee's movements were being restricted by the rigour of the current oversight, stating, "No matter how much effort she makes, she has been unable to engage in any activities outside the rules."

Allegations of Tampering

The confrontation was sparked by Banerjee's sudden arrival at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata. Her visit was prompted by viral footage allegedly showing "suspicious movement" within the centre, where EVMs from seven North Kolkata Assembly seats are stored.

Banerjee alleged a conspiracy between the BJP and the Election Commission (EC) to manipulate the machines. Speaking to the press, she described an initial standoff with Central Forces who attempted to block her entry, despite rules allowing candidates and agents access to the outer perimeter of sealed rooms.

"We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place," Banerjee claimed. She issued a stark warning to her opponents: "If someone tries to steal the EVM machine or the counting, then we will fight a life-and-death struggle together."

The Election Commission Responds

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted the TMC's allegations of malpractice. In a formal statement, the EC maintained that all statutory procedures were followed meticulously. It confirmed that the seven strongrooms at the Kendra were sealed in the presence of candidates, their authorised agents, and the General Observer, with the final room secured at approximately 5:15 am.

Supporting the EC's stance, BJP leader Tapas Roy accused the TMC of "spreading rumours" to create an excuse for an impending defeat. He noted that a robust three-layer security arrangement is in place and confirmed that the BJP would deploy its own personnel to maintain a 24-hour vigil outside the facilities.

As the state awaits the final count, the bitter exchange highlights the deep-seated mistrust and high stakes defining this electoral battle. For now, the "city of joy" remains on edge, caught between the TMC's cries of foul play and the BJP's claims of unprecedented surveillance.