West Bengal EVM counting: Mamata Banerjee warns against tampering in Bhabanipur

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Bhabanipur counting centre and EVM strong room after alleging possible malpractice. She called for tighter access rules and suggested CCTV coverage for the media to support vote counting transparency. Ahead of the May 4 count, she warned that any attempt to tamper with the counting process would not be tolerated.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee warned against any attempt to interfere with vote counting. Banerjee issued the warning early Friday, ahead of counting on May 4. The statement came after a late-night visit to the EVM strong room for Bhabanipur. Banerjee alleged possible malpractice around the stored machines.

Banerjee went to the counting centre for the Bhabanipur constituency at Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata. Banerjee came out at around 12:07 am after nearly four hours inside. Banerjee said access to the counting area should be limited. Banerjee also spoke about media visibility during the process.

EVM strong rooms and counting process checks

"Either the candidate or one agent can stay upstairs. I have also suggested installation of a CCTV camera for the media,\" Banerjee told reporters. Banerjee said tight access rules would reduce disputes on counting day. Banerjee added that such steps would support clearer oversight. Banerjee linked the request to concerns raised about the strong room.

\"It is essential to maintain transparency. Peoples votes must be protected. I rushed here after receiving complaints. The central forces initially did not allow me to enter.\" Banerjee said the visit followed reports of problems at the centre. Banerjee described resistance at the gate before entry. Banerjee said the focus stayed on protecting the voting process.

\"If there is any plan to tamper with the counting process, it will not be tolerated.\" Banerjee made the remark hours after entering the premises. Banerjee had reached the Bhabanipur Assembly segment counting centre on Thursday evening. The strong room held EVMs used in the April 29 polling. Banerjee cited suspicion of tampering with the machines.

TMC protests over EVM strong rooms

The development happened alongside protests by TMC candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja. The protest took place outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in north Kolkata. The candidates staged a sit-in and alleged irregularities in strong rooms. The allegations led to face-offs between TMC and BJP supporters at the site.

Banerjee entered the Bhabanipur premises with an election agent and stayed for hours. Kolkata Mayor and TMC candidate from the Kolkata Port segment Firhad Hakim reached the spot. Hakim said Hakim could not meet Banerjee during the visit. Hakim said restrictions prevented entry to the area.

\"I reached here upon learning that the chief minister has arrived. But I couldnt meet her since she was already inside the premises, exercising her right as a candidate to visit strong rooms. I wasnt allowed there. I will not be able to confirm what exactly is transpiring inside,\" Hakim said. Hakim linked the issue to access limits at the centre.

Political tension and EVM strong rooms vigilance

Earlier, Banerjee shared a video message for party leaders, workers and polling agents. Banerjee urged a 24-hour vigil on EVM strong rooms before counting. Banerjee alleged the BJP could try to tamper with machines. The remarks came amid political tension after a closely fought Assembly election in the state.

Parties continued to watch arrangements closely as the May 4 counting approached. Banerjee’s late-night visit and the protests added to the scrutiny around EVM strong rooms. Officials and political groups faced questions about access and transparency measures. The developments reflected the high stakes and sharp distrust between rivals.

With inputs from PTI