Kolkata – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers to closely monitor strong rooms where electronic voting machines (EVMs) are stored following recent polling, a move reflecting ongoing concerns about election security and a history of contested results in the state. The directive, issued during a closed-door meeting in her Bhowanipore constituency on Sunday, comes as Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term in office and faces a challenge from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
The call for vigilance underscores the sensitivity surrounding the electoral process in West Bengal, particularly after Banerjee’s narrow defeat to Adhikari in the 2021 assembly elections in Nandigram. Banerjee subsequently won a by-election in Bhowanipore, regaining a seat in the legislature, but she has consistently raised questions about the integrity of the 2021 polls, alleging irregularities in the EVM handling process. Concerns about EVM security are not unique to West Bengal, but the state’s history of politically charged elections amplifies those anxieties.
Recalling 2021: Allegations of Irregularities and a Close Contest
Banerjee, according to TMC leaders present at the meeting, specifically reminded workers of the 2021 Nandigram result, where she lost to Adhikari by a margin of 1,956 votes. Following that defeat, Banerjee publicly alleged that the BJP had manipulated the EVMs by disconnecting power lines at the end of polling, a claim the BJP has consistently denied. The Election Commission of India (ECI) investigated the allegations but did not find evidence of widespread tampering. Yet, the incident continues to fuel distrust among TMC supporters.
“Didi (Banerjee) said they (BJP) may engineer another load shedding (power cut),” a TMC leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, relayed from the meeting. This directive to monitor strong rooms is a direct response to those past concerns and a preemptive measure to prevent any perceived attempts at manipulation during the current election cycle. The strong rooms, fortified locations, are used to securely store EVMs after polling concludes, and are under 24/7 surveillance by security personnel and, now, TMC workers.
Focus on Bhowanipore and Voter Outreach
The meeting wasn’t solely focused on EVM security. Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee also emphasized the importance of voter outreach in Bhowanipore, a crucial constituency within the Kolkata South Lok Sabha seat currently held by the TMC. The party reportedly trailed the BJP in four of the eight civic wards that comprise Bhowanipore during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a result that prompted Banerjee to criticize local party councillors for insufficient engagement with residents, particularly those from non-Bengali speaking communities.
“She asked party leaders and workers to act as soon as the supplementary voters’ list is announced on Monday by the Election Commission,” another TMC leader said. Approximately 47,000 names were removed from the Bhowanipore voters’ list during the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), including deceased and absentee voters. The TMC plans to provide legal assistance to any voters whose names are missing from the updated list, ensuring they can appeal through the established tribunals.
Banerjee also urged TMC workers to remain calm and avoid any provocations, emphasizing the need to report any suspicious activity, particularly the presence of outsiders, to party officials. This directive comes amid heightened political tensions and a competitive election environment.
Adhikari’s Counter-Challenge and TMC’s Victory Target
Suvendu Adhikari, contesting against Banerjee in both Bhowanipore and Nandigram, has dismissed Banerjee’s concerns as unfounded. He publicly stated on Thursday that he is confident of defeating Banerjee by a margin of at least 25,000 votes, reiterating his 2021 victory. “I talked to local voters and read their minds. Mamata Banerjee poses no challenge. I will defeat her for the second time,” Adhikari said, according to reports.
However, Abhishek Banerjee countered Adhikari’s confidence, setting a high target for TMC workers: a winning margin of at least 60,000 votes in Bhowanipore. This ambitious goal reflects the TMC’s determination to regain lost ground in the constituency and solidify its hold on the Kolkata South Lok Sabha seat. The focus on Bhowanipore is particularly acute as it represents a key battleground in this election cycle.
Next Steps and Ongoing Election Monitoring
Banerjee is scheduled to launch the TMC’s campaign in North Bengal on Monday, while the party continues to mobilize its workers in Bhowanipore. The Election Commission is expected to release the supplementary voters’ list on Monday, triggering a period of potential legal challenges and voter verification. The coming days will be critical as both the TMC and BJP intensify their campaigns and closely monitor the electoral process.
The focus on EVM security, voter outreach, and legal preparedness underscores the high stakes of this election in West Bengal. The outcome in Bhowanipore, and across the state, will have significant implications for the political landscape of the region and the broader national narrative. The ECI continues to maintain that the EVMs are secure and tamper-proof, but the concerns raised by Banerjee and the TMC highlight the importance of transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
The next key date to watch is the release of the supplementary voter list by the Election Commission on Monday, which will determine the final electorate and potential legal challenges. Stay informed about the ongoing election process through official ECI updates: https://eci.gov.in/.
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