Mamata Alleges EVM Manipulation, Warns Of ‘Life-And-Death’ Fight Before May 4 Results

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 07:57 IST

Mamata Banerjee alleges EVM tampering by BJP and Election Commission, vows life and death fight as EC denies charges.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday night visited the Bhabanipur strong room and strongly warned that any kind of EVM irregularities, like tampering with voting machines or the counting process, would be met with a “life-and-death" fight.

Banerjee was present in the strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial School in south Kolkata, which is currently the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency’s distribution and reception centre where EVMs and ballots are stored.

The chief minister, who is contesting against BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, visited amid escalating allegations by the Trinamool Congress after a viral video showed activity around strong rooms.

Stating that her party has received reports of EVM tampering in various parts of the state,  Banerjee said, “There is a strong room here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place. When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it. Initially, the Central Forces wouldn’t let me enter. But according to our election rules, the candidate and election agent of any party are allowed up to the sealed room."

‘We Will Fight Life And Death Together’: CM

She further alleged that the Election Commission of India is biased with TMC and added, “Our agent has been arrested; there has been so much one-sidedness. Even after that, if someone tries to steal the EVM machine, if someone tries to steal the counting, then we will fight life and death together."

The chief minister further appealed citizens to maintain peace and harmony during this crucial time. “Victory is Certain," Banerjee said.

Meanwhile, taking to X, Trinamool Congress wrote, “Bengal refuses to bow to the Bohiragotos of Delhi and Gujarat, who seek to subjugate a people whose soul they can never understand. Every act of wrongdoing against our people, every overreach, and every heavy-handed tactic by the BJP and their Central Forces will be answered. Once the results are in, every transgression will be paid for in full through the ruthless power of the democratic process."

TMC Alleges BJP Of EVM Tampering

The political controversy started ahead of the May 4 voting results after a video was circulated by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleging major lapses in the handling of election materials. The party accused the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the Election Commission of working in tandem.

The party, in a sharply worded post, said that the footage showed ballot boxes being opened by people without the presence of authorised representatives and stated that this is a serious breach. They alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission are both involved in electoral malpractice.

‘10,000 People In Minutes’: TMC Boasts Its Strength, Says ‘We Choose Peace’

TMC sharpened its attack on the BJP and the Election Commission of India, alleging attempts to tamper with EVMs and claiming a larger “conspiracy" to influence the poll outcome.

In a series of posts on X, the TMC accused the BJP of bringing in “operatives from other states" and assembling them outside Netaji Indoor Stadium to stage what it termed a “media spectacle."

The party also underscored its organisational strength, saying it had exercised restraint despite having the capacity to mobilise large numbers. “At one command from Mamata, 10,000 people would descend upon that area in minutes," it said, adding that it was maintaining calm out of respect for the law, not fear.

“We choose peace because we respect the law Try to touch a single EVM and you will face the consequences," the party warned, crediting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with “showing the way" by personally visiting strongroom sites.

Mamata Asks Workers To ‘Stand Guard’

The remarks come against the backdrop of rising political friction, with Banerjee earlier urging party workers to maintain round-the-clock vigilance at counting centres on May 4. Rejecting exit poll predictions, she asserted that the TMC would secure a clear majority.

In a video message, she called on candidates and senior leaders to personally oversee counting centres across all 294 constituencies. “Stand guard. If I can stand guard, so can you," she said, urging 24-hour monitoring.

Banerjee also dismissed projections suggesting gains for the BJP, describing them as attempts to demoralise TMC workers. Referring to past elections, including 2021, she said such predictions had previously proven inaccurate.

She further alleged that a narrative was being built ahead of the counting day. “The reason they orchestrated this campaign is because they know they cannot stop us," she said.

The TMC chief also asked party workers to closely track the movement of EVMs from strong rooms to counting centres, alleging a “plot to swap machines" during transit.

EC Denies TMC’s Allegations

The Election Commission of India has rejected the allegations, maintaining that all procedures were followed and strong rooms remain secure.

It said all seven strong rooms at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra were sealed after polling in the presence of candidates, their agents, and the General Observer, with the final room secured around 5:15 am.

The poll body clarified that a separate strong room is designated for postal ballots, including those received through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), and said political parties were informed in advance, including via email, about the segregation process.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal also dismissed the claims, stating that the strong rooms are properly sealed and that no unauthorised access has occurred.

Exit Polls Give BJP An Edge Over TMC

Most exit polls indicate a potential power shift in West Bengal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party projected to unseat the All India Trinamool Congress, which has governed the state for 15 years. According to Chanakya Strategies, the BJP could secure 150–160 seats in the 294-member Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s TMC may be limited to 30–40 seats, with other parties accounting for 6–10 seats.

The elections have also seen unprecedented voter participation. Phase II recorded a turnout of 91.66%, one of the highest since Independence. However, polling was marked by heightened political friction between the TMC and BJP, particularly over the deployment of security forces.

Data from the Election Commission of India showed turnout in Phase II stood at 91.66% as of 7:45 PM. This follows Phase I voting on April 23, which saw an even higher turnout of 93.19%, taking the combined participation across the two phases to an impressive 92.47%.

“The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in WB was 84.72% (2011 GELA), " stated a release from the ECI.

Across the board, the voter turnout was high, with female voters leading at 92.28% and male voters not far behind at 91.07%.

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