The counting centre at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur Assembly constituency witnessed a ruckus on May 2, 2026, with TMC workers alleging that two cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry into the compound where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are stored. This incident occurred a day ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly polls.

The allegations of unauthorized entry into the counting centre compound are particularly sensitive given the high-stakes nature of the elections and the intense rivalry between the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. The TMC has been the dominant force in the state's politics, but the BJP has been seeking to make significant inroads.

The ruckus outside the counting centre follows a four-hour-long sit-in by Ms. Banerjee in front of the same counting centre at the Sakhawat Memorial Girls School on the night of April 30, 2026. During her protest, Ms. Banerjee alleged unauthorized entry of persons into the strongroom where the EVMs are kept, further escalating tensions.

The situation underscores the deep mistrust between the TMC and the BJP, with both parties accusing each other of attempting to influence the election outcome. As the vote count approaches, the political climate in West Bengal remains highly charged, with potential disputes over the election results looming large.

Looking ahead, the outcome of the West Bengal Assembly polls will have significant implications for the state's political landscape and the balance of power between the TMC and the BJP. The ability of the Election Commission to ensure a fair and transparent counting process will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and mitigating potential post-election disputes.