Mamata Banerjee Raises EVM Concerns Ahead of West Bengal Vote Counting

NEW DELHI: With just a few days left for counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night visited the Bhabanipur strong room in Kolkata, raising concerns over alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Banerjee, who is contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, claimed her party had received reports of "manipulation" in several parts of the state. "There is a strong room here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place… When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it," she said. She further alleged obstruction by Central forces during her visit. "Initially, the Central Forces wouldn't let me enter. But according to our election rules, the candidate and election agent of any party are allowed up to the sealed room," she added.

'Will fight life and death'

Accusing the Election Commission of India of bias, Banerjee said, "Our agent has been arrested; there has been so much one-sidedness. Even after that, if someone tries to steal the EVM machine, if someone tries to steal the counting, then we will fight life and death together." At the same time, she appealed for calm, urging citizens to maintain peace during the sensitive period, while asserting that "Victory is Certain." The Trinamool Congress also issued a sharp political message, stating that "every act of wrongdoing" and "heavy-handed tactic" by the BJP and Central forces would be answered through the democratic process.

Most exit polls have projected a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party, potentially ending the TMC's 15-year rule. Chanakya Strategies estimated the BJP could win 150–160 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the TMC may secure 30–40 seats.

Record voter turnout

The elections witnessed historic participation, with West Bengal recording its highest turnout since independence. As per the Election Commission, Phase II polling stood at 91.66%, while Phase I recorded 93.19%, taking the combined turnout to 92.47%. Female voters led participation at 92.28%, slightly ahead of male voters at 91.07%, reflecting broad-based engagement despite political tensions during polling, including disputes over security deployment. Counting of votes is scheduled for 4th May, with both camps gearing up for a closely watched result.