TMC and BJP Clash Over Security and Counting Procedures Ahead of West Bengal Assembly Polls
TMC, BJP raise pitch over strong room security, counting day measures
The Indian Express
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Tensions rise between the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding security and counting measures for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Allegations of irregularities in strong room procedures and the use of contractual workers for counting duties have been raised as the counting day approaches on May 4, 2026.
- 01TMC alleges violations in postal ballot handling at strong rooms.
- 02BJP expresses concern over the use of contractual workers for counting duties.
- 03Counting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
- 04TMC demands access to CCTV footage and strong room premises.
- 05Repolling is taking place in several booths in South 24 Parganas district.
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As the counting day for the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, 2026 approaches, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have intensified their accusations regarding security and counting procedures. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien has raised concerns about the handling of postal ballots at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra strong room, claiming that Election Commission personnel sorted ballots without the presence of candidates or their representatives, violating the Election Commission of India (ECI) Handbook. O’Brien has requested that authorized representatives be allowed access to CCTV footage and the strong room. In response, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the deployment of contractual workers for counting duties, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the democratic process. He emphasized that such positions are susceptible to political influence and lack accountability. Meanwhile, repolling is ongoing in several booths in the South 24 Parganas district, adding to the electoral tension as the counting day nears.
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The allegations and counter-allegations could affect public trust in the electoral process in West Bengal, potentially influencing voter turnout and perceptions of the legitimacy of the elections.
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