TMC accuses RO of counting center of serious allegations, complains to Election Commission!

Controversy has once again arisen regarding the election process in West Bengal. The All India Trinamool Congress has sent a formal complaint to the state Chief Electoral Officer, accusing the returning officer of Khudiram Anushilan Center of unauthorized sorting of postal ballot covers.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien has filed this complaint on behalf of TMC. It has been alleged that on April 30, 2026, the cover of the postal ballot was sorted out at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, which is being used as a strong room. It is alleged that this process was not done as per the rules of the Election Commission.

The party says that during this period the candidates, their election agents and representatives of political parties were neither called nor given any prior information. TMC has called it a violation of the rules of election transparency.

The complaint also claims that this action is against the provisions of the Election Commission of India’s Handbook 2023. According to the rules, the presence of candidates or their authorized representatives is necessary in any work related to postal ballot, so that the entire process remains transparent.

Apart from this, some provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951 and Conduct of Election Rules 1961 have also been said to be violated. TMC says that while handling sensitive material like postal ballot, complete caution and legal procedure should be followed, but this did not happen in this case.

The party has also alleged that the entire process has been recorded in the CCTV footage, which has been attached with the complaint. TMC says that this is not only a technical mistake but also raises questions about the fairness of the electoral process.

The complaint further states that such incidents are not limited to just one centre, but similar irregularities are being reported in other counting centers and strong rooms in the state as well, raising serious concerns regarding lack of systemic compliance.

TMC has demanded from the Election Commission that this entire matter should be immediately investigated and the people responsible should be identified and action should be taken against them. It should also be ensured that such irregularities do not occur in any strong room or counting center in future.

Apart from this, the party has also urged that candidates and their representatives be given full permission to view the CCTV footage, so that transparency is maintained. Besides, a demand has also been made for re-investigation in areas where postal ballots are suspected to be tampered with.

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