Trinamool flags sealed strong room breach in Kolkata, demands EC clarification
Synopsis
With vote counting around the corner, TMC has raised a pointed alarm — surveillance footage allegedly showed individuals inside a sealed strong room in Kolkata without party representatives present. The ECI is yet to respond, and TMC's Dola Sen has put legal action on the table, raising the political temperature in West Bengal significantly.
Key Takeaways
Trinamool Congress alleged on 1 May that a sealed strong room in Kolkata was accessed without notifying political parties.
TMC leader Shashi Panja cited camera number 17 surveillance footage as evidence of suspicious activity inside the sealed facility.
Spokesperson Kunal Ghosh demanded clarity on how, why, and by whom the room was opened.
MP Dola Sen warned of legal action and pledged heightened party vigilance at all strong rooms.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh dismissed the allegations as political desperation from a party he claimed has already accepted defeat.
The Election Commission of India has not yet issued an official response to TMC's demands.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday, 1 May alleged serious irregularities involving unauthorised access to a sealed strong room in Kolkata, demanding an urgent explanation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and vowing to remain vigilant against any tampering with ballot materials ahead of vote counting.
What TMC Alleged
Trinamool leader Shashi Panja claimed that party representatives spotted suspicious activity through surveillance footage. "On camera number 17, we saw certain individuals inside strong rooms that had been sealed by our agents. If such a room is opened, all political parties must be informed," she said.
Panja further alleged that no representatives from any political party were present when the room was reportedly opened. "Authorities said an email had been sent, but none of the parties responded because none were present. If no one was present, why was the room opened at all?" she asked, referring to reported movement linked to postal ballot-related work.
TMC Voices and Demands
Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh echoed the concerns, saying the party noticed unexpected activity inside the sealed facility. "This is a sealed, strong room. Suddenly, we noticed it being opened and some movement inside. We want to know what kind of movement it was, how it happened, and why it happened. That is why we protested — to seek clarification," he said.
Despite the allegations, Ghosh expressed confidence in the party's electoral prospects. "We will win, and Mamata Banerjee will return with a huge majority. But it is our duty to ensure that not a single vote is tampered with," he added.
Trinamool MP Dola Sen indicated the party is prepared to pursue legal recourse if necessary. "We will take legal action. Our party is committed to following due process. All our workers and candidates will remain vigilant at every strong room. This vigilance will now be further strengthened," she said. Sen also took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), noting its declining seat tallies from 2021 to 2024, and projecting further decline in 2026.
BJP Dismisses the Controversy
Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh described the controversy as a sign of political desperation. "For the last 3-4 months, there has been politics over SIR, the Election Commission, Central forces, and now the strong room issue. The losing side seems to have no other excuse left. After ruling for 15 years, if a party is now doing politics over SIR and strong rooms, it suggests they have already accepted defeat," he said.
What Happens Next
The allegations have significantly heightened political tensions in West Bengal as the state prepares for vote counting. TMC has insisted on strict adherence to electoral protocols and full transparency in the handling of strong rooms where ballot materials are stored. The Election Commission of India is yet to officially respond to the party's demands for clarification. Whether the ECI addresses the concerns or TMC escalates to legal action will be closely watched in the coming days.
Point of View
Transparent response would go a long way in defusing tensions. BJP's counter-narrative of 'pre-emptive excuse-making' is predictable, but the surveillance footage claim, if verified, raises legitimate procedural questions that go beyond partisan point-scoring. West Bengal's electoral history means these disputes rarely stay administrative for long.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trinamool Congress allege about the strong room in Kolkata?
TMC alleged that a sealed strong room in Kolkata was opened without informing or having representatives from any political party present. Party leader Shashi Panja cited surveillance camera footage as evidence of suspicious movement inside the facility.
Why are strong rooms significant during elections?
Strong rooms are secure facilities where ballot materials, including postal ballots and EVMs, are stored between polling and counting. Any unauthorised access raises concerns about potential tampering with votes, making their security a critical electoral safeguard.
What action has TMC threatened to take?
Trinamool MP Dola Sen stated the party is prepared to take legal action if the matter is not addressed. TMC has also pledged to strengthen its vigil at all strong rooms across West Bengal ahead of vote counting.
How did the BJP respond to TMC's allegations?
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh dismissed the allegations as political desperation, saying TMC has been raising issues around the Election Commission, Central forces, and now strong rooms for months. He suggested the complaints indicate TMC has already accepted electoral defeat.
Has the Election Commission responded to TMC's demands?
As of the report on 1 May, the Election Commission of India had not issued an official response to TMC's demands for clarification regarding the alleged access to the sealed strong room in Kolkata.
