Amid mounting allegations of irregularities in strong rooms ahead of vote counting, Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night visited the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girlsâ High School, which houses electronic voting machines (EVMs for her Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.
Banerjee reached the site around 8 pm despite heavy rain. Her election agent was present with her during the visit. Sources said Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim also arrived at the premises but did not enter the strong room.
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The visit came hours after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised concerns over alleged security lapses at another counting centre at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, triggering protests by party leaders.
TMC alleges tampering attempts
Speaking to reporters after inspecting the strong room, Banerjee said that she received complaints of EVM manipulation and came as soon as I got the information.â
Mamata Banerjee ANI She alleged that there had been attempts to tamper with EVMs and claimed that initially central forces had prevented entry. âAs per election rules, candidates are allowed to visit. After some resistance, I was allowed in,â she said.
Referring to earlier visuals from Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, Banerjee added, âWhat I saw there is concerning. If such things happen, it will create serious problems.â
She further said that if the state police fail to ensure security, it would be a serious lapse. Meanwhile, sources said BJP supporters gathered outside the school after news of Banerjeeâs arrival and staged protests.
Earlier in the evening, TMC leaders, including Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh, had staged a dharna outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium, alleging irregularities inside strong rooms.
EC rejects claims, says EVMs are secure
Responding to the allegations, the Election Commission of India said all strong rooms at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra were sealed in the presence of candidates and their agents, following due procedure.
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The Commission clarified that the viral video showed activity related to sorting of postal ballots in a separate room within the same area, not inside the EVM strong rooms. Officials said the process began after informing candidates and agents, and there was no breach of protocol.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal also rejected the allegations, stating that CCTV cameras are installed in all strong rooms and live feeds are available outside. âThere is nothing to hide. Everything has been done as per rules,â he said.
