West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party are facing a convergence of political, legal, and administrative setbacks ahead of the May 4 election results.
Exit polls project a strong showing by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggesting it could dislodge the TMC after 15 years in power.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed two TMC petitions related to counting arrangements, ruling that there was no illegality in relocating a counting centre.
Banerjee herself reached an EVM strongroom and stayed inside for nearly four hours, alleging "manipulations" and stressing the need for transparency and protection of votes.
The Election Commission of India rejected the TMC's claims of rigging, asserting that all EVM strongrooms were sealed in the presence of candidates and observers and remained secure.
