Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, suggesting that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) might have been replaced. Speaking to the media, Banerjee pointed out discrepancies between the serial numbers of EVMs brought to the counting tables and those recorded in Form 17C, the statutory document maintained by polling officials.
Allegations of EVM Tampering
Banerjee, a senior TMC leader and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, claimed that the party had received multiple complaints from polling agents across the state. He stated that the serial numbers on the EVMs did not match the records in Form 17C, raising suspicions of tampering. "We have evidence that EVMs might have been replaced. The serial numbers do not match the official records," Banerjee said during a press conference in Kolkata.
Impact on Election Results
The TMC suffered a significant defeat in the 2026 assembly elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a majority. Banerjee argued that the alleged irregularities could have affected the outcome in several constituencies. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and called for the Election Commission to take immediate action.
The Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations. However, officials have previously maintained that EVMs are secure and tamper-proof. The TMC has announced plans to approach the courts to seek a re-count in constituencies where discrepancies were reported.
Political Reactions
The BJP dismissed Banerjee's allegations, calling them a desperate attempt to question the electoral process after a decisive loss. State BJP leaders accused the TMC of trying to undermine the democratic process. Meanwhile, other opposition parties have called for a transparent investigation into the claims.
The West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 saw a high voter turnout, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party. The TMC, which had been in power since 2011, faced a wave of anti-incumbency and corruption allegations. The election results were announced on May 5, 2026.
