Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, May 2: The Trinamool Congress has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging irregularities in the handling of postal ballots at a counting centre in the city.

The complaint pertains to the counting centre at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, where the party claimed that postal ballot covers were sorted on April 30 without the presence of candidates, their agents, or party representatives, and without prior notice.

The issue triggered protests on Thursday evening, with TMC candidates Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staging a dharna outside the centre, alleging suspicious activity inside the strongroom.

In its letter to the poll panel, the party stated that the alleged actions violated provisions of the ECI handbook and election rules, which require that postal ballots be handled transparently in the presence of authorised representatives. The party also cited concerns over breach of secrecy and procedural lapses.

The TMC further alleged that similar issues may be occurring at other counting centres across the state, raising concerns about broader compliance with election guidelines.

The party has demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident, strict accountability for any violations, and directions to halt any unauthorised handling of postal ballots. It also called for uninterrupted access for candidate representatives to monitor strongrooms and CCTV feeds.

Tensions escalated outside the centre, with workers from the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party engaging in sloganeering and a brief scuffle.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee visited another counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial Govt. Girls' High School, where electronic voting machines from her Bhabanipur constituency are stored. After reviewing the arrangements for several hours, she urged party candidates across the state to remain vigilant and closely monitor counting centres, especially during the night, to prevent any irregularities.