The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged electronic voting machine tampering during the West Bengal Assembly election.

These accusations come as exit polls suggest a shift in power in one of India's most politically volatile states. The outcome of the 294-seat [2] house will determine if the TMC maintains its hold or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secures a narrow majority [3].

The complaints followed the April 29, 2026, phase of the election [1]. TMC officials alleged that strong rooms, including those in Bhawanipur, Kolkata, were accessed without authorization. This unauthorized access, the party said, could have allowed for the manipulation of EVMs.

In response to the complaints, repolling was ordered at 15 booths across the state [1]. While the TMC raised alarms about the security of the machines, some reports indicated BJP workers also alleged attempts to duplicate or tamper with EVMs during disputes involving TMC vehicles [2].

The Election Commission of India dismissed the allegations. The commission said the claims were baseless and that all strong rooms are sealed, secure, and under continuous surveillance with accessible camera [4].

Concurrent with these disputes, various exit polls have released projections for the state. Some data suggests the BJP holds a narrow edge over the TMC [3]. Other projections indicate that while the BJP is competitive, Mamata Banerjee may fall just short of a majority [3].

“The Election Commission has dismissed these allegations as baseless”

The clash between the TMC and the Election Commission highlights a deepening distrust in the electronic voting process during high-stakes elections. With exit polls suggesting a razor-thin margin between the BJP and TMC, the validity of every single booth becomes a focal point for legal and political challenges that could delay the final transition of power.