Strong Room Controversy sparks TMC-BJP clash in West Bengal after voting, raising concerns over EVM security and election transparency.
Dispute erupts over EVM storage in strong room as political tensions rise after second phase voting
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata, May 1, 2026
Strong Room Controversy has triggered a sharp political confrontation in West Bengal just a day after the second phase of voting concluded on April 29. The dispute revolves around the security and handling of strong rooms where EVMs and postal ballot boxes are stored, raising serious allegations and counter-allegations between political parties.
The situation escalated rapidly on Thursday afternoon and continued into the evening, with heated exchanges reported at multiple locations between leaders and supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with police and administrative officials. In the midst of the Strong Room Controversy, TMC leaders accused authorities of irregularities, while BJP leaders dismissed the claims, stating that such allegations were being made out of fear of defeat.
Voting in the second phase covered 142 assembly seats across the state, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4. However, tensions on the ground overshadowed the electoral process as confrontations broke out in several areas. In some places, political leaders engaged in direct arguments with police personnel, while in others, party workers staged protests, alleging mismanagement in the handling of EVMs.
The situation intensified further when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the strong room at Bhabanipur in Kolkata. Prior to this, she had instructed party counting agents to remain on high alert and monitor the situation without hesitation.
The controversy began at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, where TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja attempted to gain entry into the strong room but were stopped by officials. They alleged that postal ballots and related documents were being handled inside without the presence of TMC representatives. Calling it a threat to democracy, TMC shared videos on social media and staged a sit-in protest outside the venue.
The leaders claimed they were being denied entry while officials were allegedly attempting to open ballot boxes without representatives from all concerned parties. Soon after, Mamata Banerjee also arrived at the site, further intensifying the situation.
Meanwhile, BJP candidate from Maniktala, Tapas Roy, also reached the location and got into a verbal altercation with police personnel after being denied entry. His remarks reflected the growing tension at the site.
Later, TMC leader Supti Pandey informed media that party representatives were eventually allowed access inside the strong room. After ending the protest, Kunal Ghosh stated that the incident occurred due to lapses on the part of the Election Commission and emphasized the need for better monitoring, including increased CCTV coverage and full transparency.
Responding to the controversy, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal assured that all strong rooms are completely secure. He clarified that no CCTV cameras were turned off and that all procedures were conducted in the presence of authorized agents and observers.
He further explained that CCTV footage from all strong rooms is being continuously broadcast and can be monitored by political representatives from designated areas under a three-tier security system. According to officials, the activity that triggered suspicion was routine handling of postal ballots as per established rules.
Authorities maintained that law and order remains under control and emphasized that the counting process will be conducted in a fair and systematic manner, just like the polling itself.
