EC rejects Mamata Banerjee’s allegations on Bhowanipore counting process as “baseless”

MP, May 6, 2026, Kolkata : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday termed Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Mamata Banerjee’s allegations of misconduct during the counting of votes for the Bhowanipore Assembly seat “baseless” and “false”.

Citing a report submitted by the District Election Officer (South), under whose jurisdiction the Bhowanipore seat falls, the poll body said the counting process was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner, in accordance with all prescribed procedures, Acts, Rules and Regulations.

The Commission stated that CCTV cameras were never switched off and rejected allegations of jostling involving the Trinamool candidate as “a figment of imagination”.

“The counting process was halted briefly as she insisted on stopping it, but was later resumed after informing her in accordance with guidelines,” an EC official said.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal added, “No complaint related to assault has been received. If any police complaint had been filed, an FIR would have been initiated.”

Banerjee had alleged that she was physically assaulted and forcibly removed from the counting centre at Sakhawat Memorial High School. She claimed she was “kicked in the belly and backside” and thrown out, raising concerns over the conduct of the counting process.

Banerjee lost the Bhowanipore seat to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari by a margin of 15,015 votes.