Election 2026 LIVE: TVK Candidate Office Set on Fire in Tamil Nadu, Bengal Row Over EVM Security Intensifies

Tensions escalated ahead of the May 4 vote counting in the 2026 Assembly elections as a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate’s office was allegedly set on fire in Tamil Nadu, while political clashes over EVM security continued in West Bengal.

The office of a TVK candidate in the Srirangam constituency near Tiruchirappalli was reportedly torched by unidentified persons, prompting the party led by Vijay to file a police complaint seeking immediate action. The incident has raised concerns over law and order in the run-up to counting day.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continued to allege possible tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), urging party workers to maintain strict vigilance at strongrooms.

However, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal dismissed the allegations, asserting that there is “no scope for wrongdoing” given the multi-layered security arrangements, including round-the-clock CCTV monitoring and heavy deployment of security forces.

Political tensions have further intensified with sharp exchanges between parties. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed that Mamata Banerjee’s actions indicate fear of defeat, alleging that she has shifted into “opposition mode” ahead of the results.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC), on the other hand, has raised concerns about alleged unauthorised entry into strongrooms. Party leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja, staged protests demanding transparency in the counting process.

Adding to the pressure on the ruling party, exit polls have predicted a strong performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, setting the stage for a closely contested outcome. The Calcutta High Court has also dismissed petitions challenging counting arrangements, dealing a legal setback to the TMC.

In Tamil Nadu, political activity has intensified as parties gear up for counting. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has expressed confidence in retaining power, while opposition parties remain optimistic about their prospects.

With security tightened across counting centres in multiple states, authorities have assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a free, fair, and transparent counting process on May 4.