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Rain, protests, and slogans: TMC-BJP faceoff erupts outside Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium strong room

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 30 Apr 2026, 11:43 am

Amid heavy rain, tensions flared on Thursday evening outside the strong room at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, located within the Netaji Indoor Stadium complex in Kolkata a day after the final phase of voting ended in West Bengal.

The facility houses EVMs from several key assembly constituencies in North Kolkata.

According to Bengali news channels, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were “lying unsecured” and that “outsiders were entering” the strong room premises.

Mamata Banerjee reaches the spot

As the situation escalated, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the venue to take stock of the developments.

Her presence underscored the political sensitivity surrounding the strong room and the allegations raised by her party.

TMC leaders stage protest in the rain

TMC leaders including Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest outside the facility.

Despite the downpour, several party leaders and workers continued their demonstration, demanding stricter security and transparency around the EVMs.

Situation escalates as BJP leaders arrive

The situation worsened when BJP leaders Tapas Roy and Santosh Pathak reached the spot with supporters.

Verbal clashes broke out between the two sides, with rival slogans of “Jai Bangla” and “Jai Shri Ram” raising tensions further.

BJP leaders objected to the large gathering outside the strong room, calling it a violation of election norms, while TMC leaders stood firm on their allegations.

Police, central forces step in

As the standoff intensified, police and central forces intervened to bring the situation under control. The crowd was dispersed, barricades were put up around the area, and all political workers were cleared from the vicinity.

Security has since been tightened around the strong room, as authorities remain on high alert ahead of the counting process.