A fresh political row has erupted in West Bengal after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that ballot boxes were being opened in collusion with the Election Commission of India (ECI), while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back, accusing the ruling party of resorting to violence and spreading misinformation.
The controversy began after TMC leaders shared a video on social media, claiming it showed ballot boxes being accessed improperly in a constituency ahead of vote counting. The party alleged that the BJP was acting “in collusion” with the ECI to manipulate the electoral process. Senior leaders demanded immediate clarification and called for stricter monitoring of strong rooms where election materials, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and postal ballots, are stored.
Reacting strongly, the BJP rejected the allegations, terming them baseless and politically motivated. Party leaders said the TMC was attempting to create panic and build a narrative of electoral malpractice in anticipation of unfavorable results. They also accused TMC workers of engaging in intimidation and violence in several areas, claiming that such actions reflect the ruling party’s “desperation.”
Election officials have so far maintained that all procedures are being carried out strictly as per established guidelines. Sources in the ECI indicated that there has been no unauthorized opening of ballot boxes, and that any handling of election materials is done under supervision, in the presence of authorized personnel and party representatives.
The exchange of allegations comes amid heightened tensions across West Bengal, particularly around strong rooms where EVMs are stored under heavy security. Multiple layers of protection, CCTV surveillance, and round-the-clock monitoring have been put in place to ensure the safety of election materials.
Political observers note that such disputes are common in high-stakes elections, especially in a politically charged environment like West Bengal. However, the sharp escalation in rhetoric between the TMC and BJP has raised concerns about law and order in the days leading up to the counting of votes.
Authorities have urged all political parties to refrain from spreading unverified claims and to rely on official communication channels. As the state prepares for counting day, the focus remains on maintaining peace and ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a transparent and credible manner.
