Mamata Banerjee visits EVM strong room in Bhabanipur

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee spent nearly four hours inside the EVM strong room in Bhabanipur, raising concerns before vote counting.
By Newsroom | Politics, West Bengal |

Chief Minister’s Unannounced Inspection Fuels Suspicion Ahead of Vote Count

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made an unannounced, late-night visit to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strong room at Sakhawat Memorial School in her Bhabanipur constituency, raising concerns about potential tampering with the voting machines. Banerjee spent nearly four hours inside the facility, emerging around 12:07 AM on Friday. She warned against any attempts to manipulate the counting process, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated.

Mamata visits Bhabanipur EVM strong room, warns against counting irregularities - 1

Tensions Rise as Banerjee Claims Rights as Candidate

Banerjee stated that she decided to inspect the strong room after reports of potential irregularities surfaced. She indicated that central security forces initially prevented her entry, but she asserted her right as a candidate to access the premises. "If there is any plan to tamper with the counting process, it will not be tolerated," she declared, vowing to "fight all my life" against any wrongdoing.

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Mamata visits Bhabanipur EVM strong room, warns against counting irregularities - 2

While inside the strong room with her election agent, Banerjee insisted that only one designated person would be allowed entry into the counting area. Other prominent figures, including Kolkata Mayor and TMC candidate Firhad Hakim, reportedly arrived at the school but were unable to meet with Banerjee.

Mamata visits Bhabanipur EVM strong room, warns against counting irregularities - 3

Background: Allegations and Protests Precede Counting

The Chief Minister's visit comes amid ongoing allegations of EVM manipulation by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Earlier, TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja were reported to be staging a sit-in protest outside another strong room facility, the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, also citing concerns over irregularities and potential tampering. Banerjee had previously urged party leaders and workers to remain vigilant and guard strong rooms housing the EVMs around the clock, advocating for a 24-hour watch. The vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for May 4.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Mamata Banerjee visit the EVM strong room in Bhabanipur late Thursday night?
Mamata Banerjee visited the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial School for nearly four hours late Thursday night. She stated she went after hearing reports of possible irregularities with the voting machines.
Q: What did Mamata Banerjee say about the EVM strong room visit?
She warned that any attempt to change the counting process would not be accepted. She also said she would fight against any wrongdoing.
Q: Who else was at the strong room when Mamata Banerjee visited?
Her election agent was with her inside the room. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim also came to the school but could not meet her.
Q: What are the other concerns about EVMs before the vote count?
TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja protested outside another strong room, also citing worries about tampering. Banerjee had asked party members to watch the EVMs closely.