Abhishek Banerjee challenges Election Commission to release CCTV footage from 100 constituencies amid claims of EVM mismatch and battery anomalies
Kolkata: A fresh political controversy has erupted after the All India Trinamool Congress publicly alleged serious discrepancies in Electronic Voting Machines, escalating its confrontation with the Election Commission of India.
The party, through its official handle on X, stated that senior leader Abhishek Banerjee has issued a direct challenge to the Election Commission, demanding the release of complete CCTV footage from 100 specific assembly constituencies. The demand particularly focuses on the critical six-hour window between 12 PM and 6 PM on polling day.
EVM Tampering Allegations And CCTV Footage Demand
According to the TMC, Banerjee has asserted that he is prepared to present documented evidence before the media, claiming that serial numbers of EVMs used during counting did not match the official Form 17C records. The party further alleged that several machines, despite being used throughout polling, reached counting centres with more than 90 percent battery charge.
“Anyone who understands how these machines work knows what that means. It means they were tampered with,” the party claimed.
The statement also accused the Election Commission of selectively sharing information with sections of the media, urging the poll body to either release the footage or disprove the allegations publicly.
Election Commission Rules And Legal Constraints On CCTV Footage
Amid the allegations, a counterpoint has emerged citing legal provisions governing election records. As per amended Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, CCTV footage from polling and counting centres is not open for public inspection. The footage is typically retained for 45 days after results are declared and is destroyed thereafter unless an election petition is filed.
Experts note that access to such footage generally requires a formal complaint or court order, raising questions about the feasibility of the TMC’s demand.
Political Reactions And Democracy Debate Over EVM Integrity
The controversy has triggered strong reactions on social media, with party supporters amplifying concerns over electoral transparency. A user aligned with the TMC described the challenge as a “massive test” for the Election Commission, highlighting alleged discrepancies in EVM serial numbers and battery performance.
“The demand is simple: transparency. If there is nothing to hide, why the silence?” the user wrote.
The developments have intensified the broader debate around EVM reliability and electoral transparency in India, with opposition voices calling for greater accountability, while officials maintain that the election process remains secure and robust.
