The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged as fake a viral document claiming to be an Intelligence Bureau assessment of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The report, titled “Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026,” has been widely circulated on social media but has not been issued by the Intelligence Bureau, PIB clarified. The fact-check comes amid heightened political tension and competing narratives ahead of counting day. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed documents, as misinformation could influence public perception during a sensitive electoral process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to closely monitor the situation in West Bengal after the Assembly election results on May 4, amid concerns over possible post-poll violence. The BJP has indicated that central forces will remain deployed for two months to maintain law and order. Party leaders have instructed workers to avoid aggression during celebrations, while also expressing fears of retaliation based on past incidents like the violence following the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021. Meanwhile, both BJP and All India Trinamool Congress leaders have exchanged warnings, raising tensions ahead of the results. 

Mamata Banerjee has alleged possible manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines in West Bengal, warning of a “life-and-death” struggle if irregularities occur during counting. She visited a strongroom in Kolkata’s Bhabanipur and urged party workers to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. The All India Trinamool Congress claims to have seen suspicious activity via CCTV, alleging collusion between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India. However, the poll body has firmly denied all allegations, stating strongrooms are secure and procedures followed. BJP leaders dismissed Banerjee’s claims as fear-driven “theatrics” ahead of the May 4 results.

The Election Commission of India has firmly denied allegations of EVM tampering in West Bengal, stating that all strongrooms remain “safe and secure.” Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified that CCTV systems were fully operational and continuously monitored across all storage facilities. He explained that the only activity observed involved the authorised opening of a separate postal ballot room, conducted as per established procedures and with prior intimation to candidates. The clarification comes after the All India Trinamool Congress alleged unauthorised access to ballot boxes and collusion with the BJP. The EC maintained there is no irregularity or controversy.

A day after polling concluded in West Bengal, starkly different strategies emerged between the two main contenders. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party appeared confident, buoyed by favourable exit polls, with state chief Samik Bhattacharya engaging candidates and preparing for a possible victory. In contrast, the All India Trinamool Congress adopted a defensive posture, deploying workers to guard strongrooms and counting centres. Senior leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged protests alleging suspicious activity around EVM storage. The developments underscore deep political mistrust as both sides gear up for the crucial vote counting on May 4.

A new exit poll by Today's Chanakya predicts a sweeping victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The survey projects around 192 seats (±11) for the BJP, comfortably above the majority mark of 148 in the 294-member House. The All India Trinamool Congress is estimated to secure about 100 seats, while others may win only a handful. The poll also suggests a significant rise in BJP’s vote share and a decline for TMC compared to previous elections. However, exit polls have a mixed accuracy record, and final results on May 4 will determine the actual outcome. (PC: X)

Political tensions escalated in Kolkata after leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress alleged suspicious activity at an EVM strongroom. Candidates Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh staged a sit-in, claiming the facility was opened without party representatives present and that unknown individuals were allowed inside. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the site and urged strict vigilance. However, officials from the Election Commission of India stated that EVM strongrooms remained sealed and secure, clarifying that only postal ballot processing was underway outside the storage area. The situation highlights rising mistrust ahead of counting day.

Mamata Banerjee has rejected exit poll projections for the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging they were “fabricated” by the Bharatiya Janata Party to demoralise workers. She urged members of the All India Trinamool Congress to stay vigilant, guard EVM strongrooms, and remain present at counting centres. Banerjee warned of possible attempts to tamper with electronic voting machines or manipulate data during counting. Despite the allegations, she expressed confidence that her party would retain power. The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and conflicting exit poll predictions, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4.

A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the All India Trinamool Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India of electoral malpractice. The TMC shared a video allegedly showing ballot boxes being opened inside a strongroom without authorised party representatives present. It also claimed attempts to influence the election had escalated from voter intimidation to possible electronic voting machine tampering. Protests have begun, with senior leaders staging demonstrations in Kolkata. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged party workers to monitor counting centres closely. The BJP and Election Commission have not yet publicly responded to the allegations.

Exit polls for the 2026 Assembly elections indicate a strong performance by the BJP, especially in West Bengal and Assam. According to Today’s Chanakya, the BJP could win around 192 seats in Bengal, overtaking the TMC, though results remain contested. In Assam, the BJP-led alliance is projected to secure a decisive majority with about 100+ seats. Tamil Nadu is likely to remain with the DMK-led alliance, winning over 125 seats, while actor Vijay’s TVK emerges as a significant player. Kerala is expected to witness a close contest, with a slight edge to the UDF over the LDF. (PC: HT)