The Election Commission of India is reviewing 77 [1] formal complaints of electronic voting-machine tampering in West Bengal ahead of the assembly election count.
The outcome of these reviews could determine whether the commission orders a repoll in affected areas. Because both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have raised concerns, the decision carries significant weight for the stability of the state's electoral process.
The complaints follow the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, which took place on April 27, 2026 [2]. Reports of irregularities surfaced on April 30, leading to widespread unrest among party workers and leaders.
Protests occurred outside the Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium in Kolkata, where supporters of both major parties gathered to demand a transparent investigation. The tension centers on the possibility that EVM irregularities could swing the final results of the assembly vote.
The Election Commission office in New Delhi is currently processing the 77 [1] complaints. Officials said a decision regarding the possibility of a repoll is expected on May 1, 2026.
Both the TMC and BJP said that the integrity of the machines is essential for a fair democratic outcome. The parties have highlighted specific instances where they believe the machines were compromised, an allegation the commission must now verify through technical audits.
“The Election Commission of India is reviewing 77 formal complaints of electronic voting-machine tampering.”
The simultaneous allegations from both the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP suggest a systemic lack of trust in the current voting infrastructure during this phase of the election. If the Election Commission orders a repoll, it may validate concerns regarding EVM security, potentially triggering wider demands for auditing in other districts and delaying the finalization of the assembly government.
