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Agartala, Tripura
Kolkata/IBNS: Mamata Banerjee visited the strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata and remained there for nearly four hours amid allegations of irregularities linked to electronic voting machines and ballot handling.
The location served as the distribution and reception centre for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.
Banerjee, who is also contesting from Bhabanipur, said she decided to inspect the site after reports of alleged irregularities surfaced.
After a marathon four-hour siege inside the facility, a defiant "Didi" emerged with a laundry list of explosive, high-octane allegations that have the state on edge.
She didn’t just say tampering—she called it a "loot," alleging a calculated attempt to hijack the EVMs under the cover of darkness.
She stated that she initially faced resistance from central forces but was allowed entry after asserting her rights as a candidate under election rules.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
After leaving the premises, Banerjee said she would continue to oppose any wrongdoing, stating that she would “fight all my life”.
She warned of action if any manipulation in the electoral process is detected and stressed the need to safeguard votes.
She also suggested installing CCTV access for media visibility and said that either candidates or their authorised agents should be allowed to remain near the strongroom area.
Mamata also called the latest exit poll numbers a total sham, claiming they were "circulated straight from the BJP office" to demoralize her supporters.
Banerjee emphasised that maintaining transparency in the electoral process remains essential.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
While Mamata Banerjee was inside the venue, a war of slogans was erupted between TMC and BJP supporters in front of Sakhawat Memorial Govt. Girls' High School.
They also scuffled with the police personnel and CAPF troops, according to reports.
The visit followed claims by the Trinamool Congress regarding a viral video that allegedly showed ballot boxes being handled without the presence of party representatives.
Senior leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged protests outside another strongroom, raising concerns about unauthorised activity and lack of prior information on procedures such as postal ballot segregation.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Banerjee also arrived at the site after party leaders indicated she would personally review the situation following the allegations.
The Election Commission of India rejected the claims, stating in a press briefing that no CCTV cameras were switched off in strongroom areas.
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified that live footage from the facilities was made available to all political parties.
The developments come a day after the final phase of polling in West Bengal and ahead of the vote counting scheduled for May 4.
Earlier, Banerjee had urged party workers and polling agents to maintain continuous vigilance over strongrooms, citing concerns over possible tampering.
Following the incidents at Netaji Indoor Stadium and Sakhawat Memorial Govt. Girls' High School strongrooms, the ECI has tightened security at both locations.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
Officials said additional central force personnel and local police force have been deployed to the sceen.
