In a blistering attack on the Election Commission, TMC MP Dola Sen on Monday accused poll officials of compromising strong room security during West Bengal’s fiercely contested assembly elections. The controversy centers on postal ballots, with Sen pointing to video evidence that allegedly depicts unauthorized access to sealed repositories.
Addressing the media in Kolkata, Sen clarified that CCTV feeds from outside strong rooms were publicly screened by the EC. ‘We shared what the Commission itself displayed on screens—no one entered inside as it’s prohibited,’ she explained. She challenged skeptics: ‘Call it fake, and you’re calling the EC fake too.’
The MP lambasted the EC for systemic failures, from purging 9 million voters to ignoring violence that claimed 225 lives. Detailing the incident, she described how a TMC video revealed strong room doors being pried open, lights flickering on, and activity inside—prompting party workers to intervene.
Opposition and TMC candidates converged at the site, pressuring officials who then claimed it was routine postal ballot handling. Sen demanded answers: ‘Strong rooms are sealed with all signatures—why break the seal without notice? A 4 PM email doesn’t justify instant opening.’
She branded the move unlawful, citing lack of time for stakeholders to assemble. Mamata Banerjee’s personal inspection reinforced TMC’s resolve. With protests underway and legal recourse promised, Sen warned that such lapses erode public trust in democracy. This episode risks overshadowing the elections, fueling debates on transparency.
