West Bengal witnessed high political tension late Thursday night after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strongroom in Kolkata amid allegations of irregularities raised by her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The development came just days before the counting of votes for the 2026 Assembly elections, intensifying the already charged political atmosphere in the state.

TMC alleges ballot boxes opened without agents

The TMC claimed that ballot boxes were opened without the presence of authorised party representatives, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Party leaders staged a sit-in protest outside the strongroom, demanding transparency and stricter monitoring.

According to reports, Banerjee visited the counting centre in the Bhabanipur constituency and spent several hours inside the strongroom to personally inspect the situation. She later warned against any attempt to tamper with the voting process and called for stronger safeguards, including CCTV monitoring.

The party also cited alleged visual evidence suggesting that ballot boxes had been accessed without proper oversight.

Election Commission rejects allegations

The Election Commission dismissed the allegations, stating that all procedures were followed as per protocol and that EVMs and ballot boxes remain secure.

Officials clarified that certain strongroom openings were conducted as part of standard procedures, including handling of postal ballots, and that political parties were informed in advance.

BJP counters claims, calls it ‘fear tactics’

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the TMC’s accusations, alleging that the ruling party was attempting to create confusion ahead of the counting day.

They described the claims as politically motivated and aimed at influencing public perception before results are declared.

High-stakes contest ahead of results

The late-night developments highlight the intense political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. With counting scheduled in the coming days, tensions remain high as both sides closely monitor the security of EVMs.

The 2026 Assembly elections in the state have already seen record voter participation, making the outcome crucial for all major political players.

Bank closures on May 1, 2026, will depend on the Reserve Bank of India’s official state-wise holiday calendar. While the day is observed as Buddha Purnima and Labour Day in several regions, not all states may have a bank holiday. Customers are advised to check with their local branch or official bank holiday list before planning a visit 

The holiday status, however, is not uniform across the country, as bank closures are determined based on the Reserve Bank of India’s state-wise holiday calendar.

Banks likely to remain closed in most states

In several states, including Delhi and other major regions, banks are expected to remain shut due to Buddha Purnima. The day is recognised as a public holiday in many parts of the country, leading to closure of bank branches.

Customers planning branch visits on May 1 are advised to check local holiday listings to avoid inconvenience.

States where banks may remain open

Despite the widespread holiday, some states may not observe May 1 as a bank holiday. In such locations, banking services at branches could function normally.

States where banks may remain operational include:

• Meghalaya
• Nagaland
• Rajasthan
• Sikkim
• Punjab
• Haryana
• Odisha
• Gujarat

Since bank holidays vary regionally, customers should verify with their local branch.

Digital banking services unaffected

Even in areas where banks are closed, digital services will continue without interruption. Customers can use:

• Mobile banking apps
• Internet banking
• UPI services
• ATMs

These services remain available regardless of physical branch closures.

Key takeaway

While May 1, 2026, will be a bank holiday in many parts of India due to Buddha Purnima and Labour Day, some states may still have banks open, making it important to check region-specific updates before planning any visit.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has dismissed the exit poll predictions for the 2026 assembly elections, asserting that her party will return to power with a strong mandate of more than 226 seats.

Speaking after voting concluded, Banerjee urged people not to rely on exit poll projections, expressing full confidence in the electoral support for her party. She maintained that the All India Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive victory despite several surveys suggesting a close contest or advantage for the opposition.

Her remarks come at a time when multiple exit polls have indicated a tight race between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, with some projections even pointing towards a potential shift in power.

Confidence vs projections as Bengal awaits results

Banerjee reiterated that exit polls have historically failed to capture the actual mood of voters in West Bengal. She said the final results would reflect the trust people have placed in her government.

The chief minister’s confidence echoes her earlier stance during the campaign, where she repeatedly claimed that her party would secure a comfortable majority and continue its governance in the state.

Meanwhile, exit poll trends released after voting suggested mixed outcomes. Some surveys projected a lead for the BJP, while others indicated a close fight or even a possible hung assembly.

High-stakes battle in West Bengal elections

The 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have been one of the most closely watched political contests in India, with intense campaigning by both the ruling TMC and the BJP.

High voter turnout and strong political mobilisation from both sides have added to the uncertainty surrounding the final outcome. Leaders from both parties have expressed confidence in forming the government once results are declared.

The official results are expected to determine whether Banerjee secures another term or if the state witnesses a political shift.