Rain, protests, and slogans: TMC-BJP faceoff erupts outside Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium strong room

The facility houses EVMs from several key assembly constituencies in North Kolkata.

According to Bengali news channels, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were “lying unsecured” and that “outsiders were entering” the strong room premises.

TMC leaders stage protest in the rain

TMC leaders including Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest outside the facility.

Despite the downpour, several party leaders and workers continued their demonstration, demanding stricter security and transparency around the EVMs.

Situation escalates as BJP leaders arrive

The situation worsened when BJP leaders Tapas Roy and Santosh Pathak reached the spot with supporters.

Verbal clashes broke out between the two sides, with rival slogans of “Jai Bangla” and “Jai Shri Ram” raising tensions further.

BJP leaders objected to the large gathering outside the strong room, calling it a violation of election norms, while TMC leaders stood firm on their allegations.

Mamata reaches Sakhawat Memorial School strong room

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly went inside the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial School, media reports said.

Video footage shows advocate Suryaneel Das, representing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, arguing with police personnel and questioning why a candidate has been allowed to remain inside the DC/RC office for an extended period.

He further claimed that Mamata Banerjee’s presence there is against constitutional provisions.

Police, central forces step in

As the standoff intensified, police and central forces intervened to bring the situation under control. The crowd was dispersed, barricades were put up around the area, and all political workers were cleared from the vicinity.

Security has since been tightened around the strong room, as authorities remain on high alert ahead of the counting process.