Electoral Controversy erupts in Kolkata as TMC accuses officials of postal ballot rule violations, prompting Election Commission response and political tension escalation.
TMC Accuses Returning Officer of Violating Rules at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra Strongroom
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | May 2, 2026
Electoral Controversy Deepens Over Postal Ballot Handling
Electoral Controversy has intensified in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) formally accused the Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra of violating established norms during the scrutiny of postal ballots. The complaint, submitted to the Election Commission, alleges that procedures were bypassed inside the strongroom, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the counting process.
According to TMC leaders, the irregularities were not isolated. The party has urged the Election Commission to intervene immediately, stressing that adherence to protocol is critical to maintaining electoral integrity. This Electoral Controversy comes amid already heightened tensions surrounding the handling of sensitive election materials in the state.
Protests, Counter-Protests, and Political Tensions
The issue follows earlier allegations by TMC regarding “suspicious activities” inside the same strongroom. On Thursday afternoon, party candidates Kunal Ghosh (Beliaghata) and Shashi Panja (Shyampukur) staged a protest outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra gate. Their demonstration drew significant attention as political tensions escalated on-site.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited another counting centre strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial in South Kolkata, signaling the seriousness with which the ruling party views the matter.
During the protest, BJP candidates Santosh Pathak (Chowringhee) and Tapas Roy (Maniktala) arrived at the location and objected to the TMC gathering near the strongroom. The situation remained tense for hours before police intervened, eventually dispersing the demonstrators.
Election Commission Denies Allegations
Despite the accusations, the Election Commission has rejected claims of wrongdoing. Officials stated that all candidates had been informed in advance—via email—about the procedures related to postal ballot handling. According to the Commission, due process was followed, and there was no deviation from established guidelines.
Administrative Shake-Up Raises Further Questions
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of significant administrative changes ordered by the Election Commission. Beginning Sunday midnight, several senior bureaucrats and police officials in West Bengal were removed from their posts. The reshuffle continued until Wednesday night with replacements promptly appointed.
The Commission also made it clear that those removed would not be assigned any election-related duties within the state for the time being.
TMC Criticizes Commission’s “Overreach”
The ruling TMC has openly questioned what it describes as the Commission’s unusually aggressive stance in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction and wrote directly to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In her letter, she criticized the Commission for making unilateral decisions without consulting the state government. Traditionally, she noted, the Commission would request a panel of three अधिकारियों from the state before making such appointments. However, this time, that practice was allegedly ignored.
Banerjee had earlier raised similar concerns even before the announcement of candidates, also targeting the central BJP government for what she implied was undue influence.
