TMC alleges BJP vehicle entered Kolkata strongroom; protests erupt amid tight security

Amidst the heightened political tension preceding the vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections on May 4, 2026, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC claims that a vehicle bearing a BJP flag entered a strongroom area in Kolkata without undergoing proper security checks, prompting protests by TMC workers. The incident, which occurred in the vicinity of the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, a key strongroom location, has amplified existing concerns about the integrity of the election process. [5, 19, 27] According to reports, TMC workers alleged that while security personnel were meticulously checking even bicycles, a vehicle identified as an Army jeep with a BJP flag was allowed to pass without thorough inspection. This alleged lapse in security protocol led to immediate objections and protests from the TMC, who were already maintaining a vigil outside the strongroom. [19] The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been proactive in addressing these concerns. Officials have consistently maintained that all strongrooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) remain securely sealed and have not been tampered with. The ECI has clarified that certain activities observed, such as the segregation of postal ballots, were conducted in separate, designated areas and followed due process. [11, 26] This latest accusation follows a series of complaints and counter-allegations between the TMC and BJP regarding EVM strongroom security. Earlier, TMC leaders had raised concerns about alleged unauthorized sorting of postal ballot covers and unauthorized openings of strongrooms, with some claiming CCTV blind spots. The BJP, in turn, has accused the TMC of creating chaos due to anticipated defeat and has also raised its own concerns about irregularities in strongroom activities in Bidhannagar, alleging that a strongroom was opened multiple times without authorization. [5, 18, 24, 50, 51] In response to the prevailing tensions and the potential for demonstrations, the Kolkata Police have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. These orders are in effect for 60 days from May 3, 2026, covering parts of the city's central business district. The restrictions aim to prevent rallies, processions, demonstrations, and unlawful assemblies to ensure peace and order ahead of the crucial vote counting day. [4, 8, 16, 17] The West Bengal Assembly elections were held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with a record voter turnout reported. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026, a day that is expected to be closely watched given the political acrimony and the allegations surrounding the election process. [6, 15, 38, 39] The Election Commission of India has detailed security protocols for strongrooms, emphasizing a double-lock system, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, armed security deployment, and the presence of candidate representatives to maintain vigil. These protocols are designed to ensure the transparency and integrity of the stored EVMs and postal ballots. [12, 22, 30, 34, 48] Both the TMC and BJP have been actively involved in political discourse surrounding these allegations. While the TMC has filed formal complaints with the ECI, demanding transparency and thorough investigation, the BJP has often dismissed these claims as politically motivated tactics by a party facing electoral setbacks. [9, 24, 27, 52] The Hindustan Times, the source of the original article, is a prominent Indian daily newspaper. Media bias analyses of Hindustan Times indicate a center-left bias with mixed factual reporting, while other sources suggest a center bias. [14, 23, 43, 45] The Times of India and The Hindu are also reputable Indian news outlets, though they have faced their own critiques regarding bias and credibility over the years. [10, 13, 20, 21, 25, 28, 31, 36, 37, 42, 49].

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