Amid the ongoing vote counting for the 2026 Assembly elections, senior BJP leader Arjun Singh has sparked controversy by alleging serious irregularities at a counting centre in West Bengal. He claimed that a strong room where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored was opened without the presence of candidates or their authorised representatives, raising suspicions of possible malpractice.
According to Singh, such a move violates established election protocols laid down by the Election Commission of India, which mandate that strong rooms must only be opened under strict supervision and in the presence of candidates or their agents. He described the incident as an “attempt to commit fraud” and demanded immediate clarification from election authorities.
The allegations come at a time when tensions are already high across several counting centres in the state. West Bengal has witnessed a fiercely contested election this year, with close fights between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Even minor procedural lapses are being closely scrutinised by political parties amid fears of manipulation.
Election officials, however, have not yet confirmed any wrongdoing and are expected to review the claims. Sources indicate that security protocols, including CCTV surveillance and multi-layered checks, are in place at counting centres to prevent tampering or unauthorised access.
Political observers note that such allegations are not uncommon during high-stakes elections, particularly in closely fought states like West Bengal. However, they also stress that any deviation from established procedures must be thoroughly investigated to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in the electoral process.
As counting continues, all eyes remain on the Election Commission of India for an official response to the allegations.
