Kolkata Counting Centres Fortified After TMC-BJP Clash, Gatherings Prohibited Ahead of Results

Kolkata- Authorities in Kolkata have imposed restrictions on public gatherings and intensified security arrangements at multiple counting centres after political tensions escalated between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over alleged irregularities in EVM strong rooms.

The move comes a day after heated protests and confrontations were reported at two counting locations, where TMC leaders raised concerns about suspected “unusual activities” near sealed electronic voting machines.

Police have enforced prohibitory orders in several sensitive areas, including Sahid Khudiram Bose Road, Judge’s Court Road, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour Road, Lord Sinha Hall, Naresh Mitra Sarani, and Pramathesh Barua Sarani, all of which are linked to vote counting operations scheduled for May 4.

Security has been significantly ramped up at facilities housing EVMs, particularly at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, a key counting centre catering to multiple assembly constituencies. Officials confirmed the deployment of additional central armed police forces along with state police personnel, under the supervision of senior officers.

Clashes briefly erupted outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium counting centre, where workers from both parties exchanged slogans. Senior TMC leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja, staged protests at the venue. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited a counting centre and remained there for several hours amid the standoff.

Meanwhile, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, rejected the allegations of tampering. He clarified that all EVM strong rooms were sealed in the presence of candidates, agents, and observers after polling concluded, ensuring full transparency.

Addressing concerns over activities captured on video, officials explained that the sorting of postal ballots was carried out under torchlight due to restrictions on electricity connections inside strong room areas. Authorities maintained that the process was conducted as per protocol and that all materials remain secure.

With counting day approaching, officials said stringent security measures will remain in place to ensure a smooth and fair process.