Just ahead of vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, a major political controversy has erupted over the handling of postal ballots inside a strongroom in North Kolkata. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that postal ballots were sorted inside the strongroom at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra without the presence of candidates or their authorised representatives.
Senior TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday, submitting a formal complaint regarding the alleged irregularities.
According to the complaint submitted to the State Chief Electoral Officer, the incident reportedly took place on April 30, when a section of ECI staff allegedly engaged in unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers.
The TMC has termed this a serious breach of electoral norms, stating that no candidates, election agents, or party representatives were present during the process. The party claims to have secured CCTV footage of the incident, which has been submitted as evidence to the Commission.
In his letter, O’Brien highlighted that such actions violate specific provisions of the ECI Handbook, which mandate transparency and require the presence of candidates or their representatives during any handling of postal ballots. The complaint also alleges violations of Rule 27(3) of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, along with Sections 128(1) and 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Demand for immediate action and transparency
The TMC has urged the Election Commission to initiate a swift and impartial investigation into the incident and take strict action against those found responsible. The party has also demanded:
• Immediate suspension of any unauthorized handling of postal ballots
• Access to CCTV footage for candidates’ representatives
• Verification of ballot storage in the presence of candidates
The complaint further claims that similar irregularities may be occurring at other strongrooms and counting centres across the state, raising broader concerns about the conduct of free and fair elections.
Tensions escalate outside strongroom
Tension prevailed outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra—located near Netaji Indoor Stadium—on Thursday night following allegations of EVM tampering.
Trinamool leaders and workers staged a sit-in protest, alleging suspicious activities and the presence of outsiders within the premises. Responding to the situation, state minister and TMC candidate Shashi Panja rushed to the spot. After entering the strongroom using her official ID, she reportedly questioned police and election officials over the developments.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed concerns regarding the security of strongrooms. Contesting from Bhabanipur, she reportedly maintained a vigil outside a strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial School for nearly four hours to ensure that no tampering or malpractice occurred.
Security tightened ahead of counting day
Vote counting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am on May 4, with extensive security arrangements in place across all counting centres, including the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. State police and central forces have been deployed round the clock.
Additionally, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS)—formerly Section 144 of the IPC—have been imposed within a 200-metre radius of counting centres, restricting gatherings and vehicular movement.
As West Bengal braces for the declaration of results, the controversy surrounding postal ballots has intensified political tensions. The allegations have placed the Election Commission under increased scrutiny, raising critical questions about transparency and electoral integrity in the state.
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