BackPOLITICS
Kolkata: TMC alleges ballot-box openings in strongrooms; Mamata Banerjee to reach soon
TMC claimed ballot boxes were opened in strongrooms in Kolkata, prompting a dharna by Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja outside Netaji Indoor Stadium. Police arrived in riot gear, and events escalated with the strongroom reopening notice and a later EC clarification. The party said Mamata Banerjee would personally come to take stock of the situation.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights tensions around ballot security and electoral procedures, with a high-profile political party contesting EC actions and seeking direct oversight from the chief minister.
Timeline
4 Events
Mamata Banerjee to reach to take stock
April 30, 2026
The party said that chief minister Mamata Banerjee would personally come to take stock of the situation.
Election Commission clarification issued
April 30, 2026
The Election Commission issued a clarification denying the allegations of ballot-box opening in the strongrooms.
3:30 pm developments outside the strongroom
April 30, 2026
Party workers and supporters were outside the strongroom until about 3:30 pm. An email was circulated informing that the strongroom would be opened again at 4 pm. Workers reportedly had left, and the group rushed back; entry was not allowed, with the BJP being invited.
Dharna by TMC outside Netaji Indoor Stadium
April 30, 2026
TMC candidate from Beleghata, Kunal Ghosh, and party leader Shashi Panja sit on a dharna outside Netaji Indoor Stadium, alleging that ballot boxes are being opened in the EVM strongrooms by the Election Commission and the BJP without stakeholders present. A large team of Kolkata Police arrives at the scene wearing anti-riot gear.