Kolkata, 01 May (H.S.): Tensions flared on Thursday evening outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra after Trinamool Congress candidates staged a protest alleging “suspicious activity” inside the strong room. The Election Commission, however, later dismissed the allegations as baseless.

Trinamool candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja initially sat on a dharna outside the gate, with Bijoy Upadhyay later joining the protest. They claimed that live streaming visuals showed activity inside the strong room, with ballot papers allegedly being handled, contradicting official claims that no work was underway.

The situation intensified when BJP candidates Tapas Roy and Santosh Pathak also reached the spot. However, they later left after speaking with Election Commission officials.

Later at night, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal addressed a press conference, clarifying that the strong room was sealed and fully secure. He stated that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from multiple constituencies were stored there and that Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) were engaged in segregating postal ballots—an activity that had been communicated to candidates in advance.

Manoj Agarwal said the allegations of tampering were based on footage of this routine process and were “completely false and baseless.” He also accused some quarters of trying to create unnecessary unrest.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee visited the strong room at Sakhawat Memorial School later in the evening. Responding to queries, the CEO said any candidate is allowed to visit such locations, and the Commission has no objection to it.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey