The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday admitted an election petition filed by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the outcome of the Assembly election in the Bhabanipur constituency, where she was defeated by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The development marks the beginning of a legal examination of allegations related to the conduct of the election and the counting process in one of the state's most closely watched political contests.

A single-judge bench headed by Justice Gaurang Kanth directed election authorities to preserve all electronic and physical evidence connected to the Bhabanipur election. The court specifically instructed the Returning Officer of the Election Commission to secure electronic voting machines (EVMs), voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines and CCTV footage from the counting centre located at Sakhawat Memorial School. The order aims to ensure that all materials remain available for judicial scrutiny during the proceedings.

The court further directed that no electronic records, video footage or other evidence related to the counting process conducted on May 4 should be erased, overwritten or destroyed without prior approval. The preservation order is considered a routine but important step in election-related litigation, helping maintain the integrity of evidence while the court examines the claims raised in the petition.

Also Read: From Defeat to Defection: How the 2026 Election Triggered the TMC Mutiny

According to the petition, Mamata Banerjee has challenged the validity of the election result and raised allegations against Suvendu Adhikari. The former chief minister has reportedly accused the BJP leader of engaging in corrupt electoral practices, including bribery, undue influence and actions aimed at promoting enmity during the election campaign. The allegations will now be examined as part of the legal process before the High Court.

The Bhabanipur contest attracted significant political attention because it involved two of West Bengal's most prominent leaders. Adhikari, a former Trinamool Congress leader who later joined the BJP, emerged victorious in the constituency and subsequently succeeded Mamata Banerjee in the state's political leadership. The election result represented a major shift in West Bengal's political landscape and intensified rivalry between the two leaders.

With the petition now admitted, the High Court is expected to seek responses from the concerned parties and proceed with hearings on the matter. The preservation of EVMs, VVPATs and CCTV footage ensures that key evidence remains intact as the court evaluates the allegations and determines whether any irregularities affected the outcome of the Bhabanipur Assembly election.

Also Read: Jyotipriya Mallick, Three-Time Mamata Minister and TMC Founding-Era Worker, Quits Party