ECI rejects Mamata Banerjee’s allegations of counting irregularities in Bhabanipur, asserting a transparent and fair process as BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari secures a decisive victory, intensifying political tensions in West Bengal.
Fresh political friction surfaced in West Bengal after the Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed allegations of counting irregularities raised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following her defeat in the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.
The controversy unfolded on Tuesday when Banerjee claimed that her loss was the result of “counting misappropriation” at the counting centre located in South Kolkata. She alleged that irregularities took place during the vote counting process conducted at Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls’ College, sparking immediate political reactions.
Within hours of these claims, the office of the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Kolkata (Dakshin) issued an official clarification rejecting all allegations as unfounded. According to the statement, the counting process adhered strictly to the norms set by the Election Commission of India and was conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.
“The counting process was carried out in a free, fair and transparent manner, observing all due procedures prescribed under the relevant Acts, Rules and Regulations,” the statement asserted. Officials further emphasized that there was no deviation from established protocols at any stage of the counting exercise.
Addressing specific claims made by Banerjee, the DEO’s office categorically denied that CCTV cameras at the counting centre were switched off. “The CCTV surveillance remained active throughout the counting process,” the statement clarified, adding that any claims of disruption or tampering were “baseless and fabricated.”
The administration also refuted allegations of physical altercations within the counting premises. Banerjee had earlier alleged that she was subjected to misconduct inside the centre, but officials described these assertions as “a figment of imagination,” stating that no such incident was reported or recorded.
Interestingly, the DEO’s statement noted that the counting process experienced a temporary halt on Monday evening at the request of Banerjee herself. The process was later resumed in accordance with election guidelines, with due intimation provided to all concerned parties.
The Bhabanipur contest drew considerable attention, as Banerjee sought to retain her stronghold amid a high-stakes political battle. However, she was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari by a margin exceeding 15,000 votes. Adhikari, a prominent political figure in the state, also secured victory from the Nandigram Assembly constituency, further strengthening his position.
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The developments have intensified political tensions in the state, with both sides standing firm on their claims. While the ruling party has expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome, election authorities maintain that the process was conducted with complete integrity.
As the debate continues, the focus now shifts to whether further legal or political action will follow. For now, the Election Commission’s firm rebuttal underscores its stance on maintaining credibility and transparency in the electoral process.
