The political temperature in West Bengal continues to rise as leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have hit out strongly at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of “spreading rumours” to prepare the ground for a possible electoral defeat. The sharp exchange comes amid ongoing tensions over alleged irregularities in the handling of election materials ahead of vote counting.
Senior BJP leaders claimed that the TMC’s recent allegations ranging from claims of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering to accusations of “opening of ballot boxes” are part of a deliberate strategy to create confusion among voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process. According to BJP representatives, these statements are being made without evidence and are politically motivated.
“They are spreading rumours and trying to build a narrative in advance,” a BJP leader said, adding that such tactics indicate that the ruling party is already anticipating an unfavorable outcome. The party also reiterated its trust in the Election Commission of India (ECI), stating that the poll body has put in place strong safeguards to ensure free and fair elections.
On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress has defended its stance, maintaining that its concerns are genuine and based on reports from ground-level party workers. TMC leaders have been vocal about the need for strict vigilance around strong rooms where EVMs are stored, alleging that there could be attempts to manipulate results. The party has also called on its supporters to keep watch until counting day.
The ECI has, however, rejected the allegations raised by the TMC, clarifying that no unauthorized handling or opening of ballot boxes has taken place. Officials have emphasized that all election-related procedures are being conducted according to established protocols, in the presence of security personnel and representatives of political parties.
The war of words between the two major political rivals has added to an already tense atmosphere across the state. Several sensitive constituencies have witnessed heightened security arrangements, with central forces deployed to ensure law and order and protect strong rooms.
Political observers note that such confrontations are not unusual in high-stakes elections like those in West Bengal, where the contest between the BJP and the TMC has been particularly intense. However, the escalation in rhetoric has raised concerns about potential unrest in the days leading up to the counting of votes.
As the state awaits the results, authorities have urged all parties to refrain from spreading unverified information and to maintain peace. The focus now shifts to counting day, when the electorate’s verdict will finally be revealed.
