KOLKATA– A high-stakes political face-off erupted in Bhabanipur as supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed outside a secure strong room facility. The incident occurred following TMC allegations of a secret plot to tamper with ballot boxes.
The situation turned volatile after a suspicious van was spotted near the premises. TMC workers raised an alarm, claiming an attempt was being made to open or move ballot units without official oversight.
This led to a fierce scuffle between rival supporters, forcing security forces to intervene and form a protective human chain around the center.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally reached the Bhabanipur strong room to monitor the situation. Reports from ANI and NDTV indicate that Banerjee remained at the facility to oversee the security of the EVMs, while other party leaders staged protests nearby.
While the BJP has dismissed these claims as “baseless rumors” and a sign of electoral frustration, the Election Commission clarified that all strong rooms remain sealed under 24/7 CCTV surveillance.