Leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in protest Thursday outside an electronic voting machine strongroom in central Kolkata [1].
The demonstration highlights escalating tensions during the 2026 West Bengal elections, where allegations of electoral malpractice can trigger widespread civil unrest.
The protest took place at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, which serves as the storage site for EVMs from several north-Kolkata assembly constituencies [2]. Bengal minister Shashi Panja and Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh led the sit-in, alleging that ballot boxes were opened without the presence of authorized party representatives [1].
Trinamool leaders said the unauthorized access indicated possible tampering with the voting machines [2]. The BJP responded to these allegations, saying the claims were pure rumors [1].
Security remains a primary concern across the state as officials attempt to maintain order during the counting process. To mitigate the risk of post-poll violence, 700 paramilitary companies have been deployed [3].
The sit-in occurred as party representatives sought to ensure the integrity of the strongroom before the official tally. Trinamool members remained at the site to demand transparency regarding the handling of the machines [2].
“Trinamool leaders staged a sit-in at the Netaji Indoor Stadium EVM strongroom in Kolkata”
The clash between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP over EVM security reflects a deep lack of trust in the electoral process in West Bengal. By staging a public sit-in, the ruling party is attempting to preemptively challenge the legitimacy of results in north-Kolkata constituencies, while the massive deployment of paramilitary forces suggests the government anticipates significant instability following the vote.
