Mamata Banerjee Alleges Power Cuts and CCTV Shutdowns Near EVM Strongrooms Hours Before West Bengal Vote Counting

Key facts

• Mamata Banerjee alleged power cuts and CCTV shutdowns near EVM strongrooms in West Bengal hours before vote counting.
• Banerjee cited incidents in Hooghly's Serampore, Nadia's Krishnanagar, Burdwan's Aushgram, and Kolkata's Khudiram Anushilan Kendra.
• Mahua Moitra claimed CCTV cameras were switched off in four assembly segments in Nadia district for 2 minutes 16 seconds.
• West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja shared a video showing a 'camera blackout' at Kolkata's Khudiram Anushilini Stadium.
• The two-phase West Bengal assembly polls were held on April 23 and April 29; counting began at 8 am on May 2.
• The majority mark in the 294-member Bengal assembly is 148; results for 293 seats are expected due to repolling in Falta.
• Moitra also criticized election observer Ajay Pal Sharma, sharing videos of him dancing at a nightclub.

Allegations Emerge Overnight as Counting Day Dawns

Hours before the counting of votes for the West Bengal assembly elections was scheduled to begin, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged on Monday that power has been cut near the electronic voting machines' (EVMs) strongrooms. In a post on X around 1 am, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief also claimed that CCTVs are being turned off and vehicles are entering and exiting the premises of strongrooms. "Be careful. Give guard. Stay awake at night. from various places that load-shedding is being deliberately imposed," she posted in Bengali, listing Hooghly's Serampore, Nadia's Krishnanagar, Burdwan's Aushgram, and Kolkata's Khudiram Anushilan Kendra as locations where such incidents have come to light. She alleged that all of this is being done at the "behest of the BJP."

TMC Leaders Mobilize Party Workers and Demand CCTV Footage

Banerjee, who is seeking a fourth term, called on her party workers to stay up all night and guard the people's votes in the strongrooms. "If anyone creates any suspicious situation anywhere, surround them, file complaints immediately, and demand CCTV footage," she said. West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja, who is seeking reelection from the Shyampukur assembly seat, also shared a video of a computer screen showing a "camera blackout" in Kolkata's Khudiram Anushilini Stadium. "Camera blackout in Khudiram Anushilini stadium, Kolkata, resumed after our protests, but why this repeated disruption? We are alert. We demand to see the footage which was not visible. The fight is on," she wrote on X. Panja had held a meeting with her party's counting agents for the Bhabanipur constituency on Sunday evening.

Mahua Moitra Reports CCTV Lapses in Four Nadia Constituencies

Adding to the allegations, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra claimed that CCTV cameras were switched off in multiple strongrooms in Nadia district constituencies. Listing specific details, she alleged that cameras went off in four assembly segments — Krishnanagar North (83), Chapra (82), Kaliganj (80) and Nakashipara (81) — for a brief but significant duration of 2 minutes and 16 seconds, starting at 23:52 hours. "CCTV Cameras switched off in strongroom of 4 ACs… from 23:52 hrs for 2 minute 16 secs. We are awake," Moitra posted, tagging the Election Commission of India and state election authorities. She further questioned the poll body's intent, writing: "you up to your tricks again?"

Moitra Targets Election Observer Ajay Pal Sharma

Separately, Moitra launched a sharp attack on IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma, who has been deployed as an observer by the Election Commission. Sharing purported videos of a man dancing at what appeared to be a nightclub, she mocked the officer on social media, calling him a "Fair and Lovely babua" and remarking, "Good to see you enjoying yourself... Hope your policing skills are better than your dancing skills." The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in a high-stakes election, where both phases of polling have drawn intense scrutiny from rival parties. The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to these specific claims, but it has maintained that comprehensive arrangements are in place to ensure free and fair voting.

Counting Underway for 293 Seats; Repoll in Falta Delayed

The two-phase West Bengal assembly polls were held on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for 8 am today. The majority mark in the 294-member Bengal assembly is 148. However, with repolling ordered in about vitiation of the poll process, results for only 293 seats will be out for now. The counting for Falta will be held on May 21. Tensions also flared at the counting centre in Bhowanipore, Banerjee's own assembly constituency, a day before the results. The TMC alleged that cars with BJP flags were allowed entry at the Bhowanipore counting centre, raising further concerns about the integrity of the process.

Wider Implications for the High-Stakes Election

The allegations of power cuts and CCTV shutdowns threaten to overshadow the election results in a state where the TMC and BJP have been locked in a fierce battle. Banerjee's party, which has governed West Bengal for a decade, faces a strong challenge from the BJP, which has made significant inroads in recent years. The Election Commission's response to these allegations will be closely watched, as any perception of bias could undermine confidence in the electoral process. The counting of votes is expected to continue through the day, with trends likely to emerge by late morning.

Outlook: A Defining Test for Democracy in West Bengal

As the counting proceeds, the allegations of surveillance lapses and unauthorized access to strongrooms have raised the stakes for both the ruling party and the opposition. The TMC's accusations, if substantiated, could lead to legal challenges and demands for recounts in affected constituencies. For now, party workers remain on alert, and the Election Commission faces the task of ensuring transparency. The outcome of the West Bengal assembly elections will not only determine the state's political future but also serve as a barometer for the BJP's national ambitions and the TMC's resilience.

The bottom line

• Mamata Banerjee alleged deliberate power cuts and CCTV shutdowns near EVM strongrooms in multiple locations across West Bengal hours before vote counting.
• CCTV cameras were switched off for 2 minutes 16 seconds in four Nadia district constituencies, tagging the Election Commission.
• The TMC accused the BJP of orchestrating the disruptions, while the Election Commission has not yet responded to the specific claims.
• Counting for 293 seats is underway; results for Falta will be announced on May 21 due to repolling.
• Allegations of bias against election observer Ajay Pal Sharma have added to tensions, with Moitra sharing videos of him dancing at a nightclub.