Kolkata Ground Report: Calm Returns After Strong Room Row, Security Tightened Before Counting

Ground reports from Kolkata indicate that the situation has calmed after a night of high political drama over strong room security. At the center of the controversy is the strong room located at a school in Bhabanipur, where Mamata Banerjeespent nearly four hours amid protests and allegations of EVM tampering. According to on-ground inputs, security has now been significantly increased around the facility, with police and central forces deployed in large numbers. The unrest began after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) claimed that suspicious activity was detected via CCTV footage and alleged attempts to manipulate EVMs and postal ballots. Party leaders staged protests outside another strong room at Netaji Indoor Stadium, intensifying tensions across the city. However, the Election Commission of India has dismissed all allegations, clarifying that the activity captured on camera was part of a standard postal ballot handling procedure, conducted after informing all political parties. Officials reiterated that all EVMs are sealed and secured under strict three-layer security protocols. The BJP has countered TMC’s claims, alleging that the protests are driven by anxiety over exit poll predictions. Meanwhile, TMC continues to insist on strict vigilance, urging its workers to monitor strong rooms round-the-clock.