No scope for wrongdoing at counting centres: Bengal CEO
Kolkata: The Election Commission has introduced a QR code-based photo identity system to prevent unauthorised entry into counting centres, amid heightened political tensions during the ongoing Assembly election process.
Responding to allegations raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal on Friday asserted that there was “no scope for wrongdoing” at any counting facility. He emphasized that strong rooms storing EVMs are under continuous CCTV surveillance and that all protocols are being strictly followed.
“The arrangements in place leave no room for malpractice. Allegations should be backed by evidence,” Agarwal said, dismissing the claims as baseless.
Tensions flared at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra counting centre in central Kolkata, which handles votes from several north and east Kolkata constituencies. TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest outside the premises, alleging electoral malpractice and possible tampering with voting machines.
The party claimed that live CCTV footage showed unauthorised individuals inside strong rooms, allegedly handling ballot materials. However, the Election Commission rejected these allegations, clarifying that officials seen in the footage were engaged in the routine process of segregating postal ballots and that all materials remained secure.
Amid the controversy, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the counting centre for the Bhabanipur constituency, expressing concern over possible irregularities in the counting process.
