Clashes Erupt Outside Kolkata CEO Office Over Alleged Bulk Voter Applications
TMC accuses BJP of “voter hijacking” through mass Form 6 submissions; EC officials deny responsibility as tensions escalate
New Delhi,April 3, 2026: Tensions flared outside the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in Kolkata after clashes broke out between supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over allegations of large-scale voter enrolment irregularities.
The unrest followed claims that Form 6 applications—used for new voter registrations—were being submitted in bulk to influence the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that BJP workers were attempting to include non-residents and outsiders in the State’s voter list. She described the move as an attempt at “voter hijacking” and urged strict action, calling it “illegal and undemocratic.”
According to Trinamool-backed booth-level officers, a BJP worker was allegedly caught carrying over 400 Form 6 applications into the CEO office. Protesters gathered outside the premises, leading to a heated confrontation when BJP supporters arrived at the scene.
Security forces, including police and central personnel, were deployed to control the situation. Baton charges were reportedly used to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said verifying individual submissions was not part of his role, emphasizing that his office cannot monitor every application being filed.
The controversy comes amid broader claims by TMC leaders that thousands of applications—allegedly up to 30,000—have been submitted to alter the State’s electoral demographics by adding voters from outside West Bengal.
BJP leaders denied involvement in the alleged irregularities. State BJP chief and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said he had no information about such submissions, while Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the Chief Minister of provoking the public against central forces.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has opened appellate channels for voters whose names were removed during the recent revision of electoral rolls. Of the 60 lakh voters under scrutiny, around 13 lakh names have reportedly been deleted so far.
The situation remains politically sensitive as West Bengal prepares for upcoming elections, with both sides trading sharp allegations over electoral integrity.
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