Kolkata Strong Room Night Drama: Protest Timeline, Security Tightened After TMC-BJP Clash

A late-night political confrontation unfolded outside a strong room in Kolkata, escalating tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of counting day. The incident, centered around Bhabanipur, involved protests, counter-protests, and heightened security deployment following allegations of EVM-related irregularities. According to the timeline of events, the situation began around 8:00 PM when TMC leaders staged a sudden protest outside the strong room, alleging possible tampering. By 8:20 PM, Election Commission officials intervened and attempted to calm the situation, but the agitation continued to intensify. At around 9:00 PM, BJP supporters arrived at the site in response, leading to a sharp escalation as both parties gathered in large numbers. The growing crowd prompted authorities to increase security deployment in the area. By 9:30 PM, security forces were forced to intervene to control the situation, dispersing supporters of both sides amid rising tensions. Officials worked to prevent further escalation and maintain order around the sealed facility. The situation gradually de-escalated, and by approximately 12:30 AM, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left the Bhabanipur strong room area after spending several hours there. She maintained that her presence was to ensure transparency in the process, as permitted under electoral rules. On-ground reports suggest that calm has since returned, although political tension remains high. Additional central security forces, including CRPF personnel, have been deployed to strengthen surveillance around strong rooms. The Election Commission of India has previously clarified that all EVMs and VVPATs are fully sealed and stored under strict multi-layer security, and that postal ballot processing was conducted with prior information to all candidates. With both TMC and BJP continuing to trade allegations, the political atmosphere in West Bengal remains charged as the state moves closer to counting day, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent any further unrest.

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