EVM tampering claims in Diamond Harbour
Kolkata: A major controversy regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has erupted amidst the voting for the second phase of the Bengal Assembly elections.
The BJP has alleged that at several polling booths, the button bearing its election symbol-the 'Lotus'-was covered with tape on the EVM machines, thereby preventing voters from casting their vote for their preferred candidate. This allegation has intensified political tensions and raised serious questions regarding electoral transparency.
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT Cell and the party's co-in-charge for Bengal, shared videos and photographs on social media, claiming that this irregularity occurred at several booths in the Falta area of South 24 Parganas district.
According to him, at multiple locations-including Booth No. 144 (Part 170) and Booth 189, both situated at Harindanga High School-the option to vote for the BJP was blocked using tape. Terming this the "Diamond Harbour Model," the BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of electoral rigging.
Conversation Between Shah and Suvendu
At the center of this entire sequence of events is Mamata Banerjee's party, the Trinamool Congress; meanwhile, through these allegations, BJP leaders have directly questioned the integrity of the electoral process in Diamond Harbour-a constituency that falls under the sphere of influence of Abhishek Banerjee.
Additionally, the name of Jahangir Khan, the Trinamool candidate from Falta, has also become embroiled in controversy. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, specifically citing two particular booths, demanded a re-poll and stated that he had escalated the matter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Reports suggest that Shah and Suvendu held a lengthy telephonic conversation, during which the Home Minister sought a detailed briefing from Adhikari regarding the entire situation. Suvendu alleged that this is a long-standing tactic employed by Abhishek Banerjee and his close associate, Jahangir Khan-a tactic they have attempted to replicate in the current Assembly elections. Commission's Warning: Action to be Taken Based on Suspicious Activity Identified via CCTV
Meanwhile, the State Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, clarified that the Commission is taking this matter with the utmost seriousness. He stated that wherever the presence of tape affixed to the buttons of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is confirmed, a re-poll will be mandatorily conducted.
Citing a "zero-tolerance" policy, he warned that if such incidents are found to be widespread within any specific assembly constituency, a re-poll could be ordered for the entire constituency.
According to the Commission, no such irregularities were detected during the mock polls; this has raised apprehensions that mischievous elements may have tampered with the machines during the actual voting process. It was also announced that action would be initiated after identifying any suspicious activities through the analysis of CCTV footage.
Amidst sporadic incidents of electoral violence and tension, reports of clashes and protests have also emerged from certain areas, including Bhabanipur. All in all, while the second phase of voting has certainly heightened the political temperature, the controversy surrounding the tape on the buttons has sparked a fresh debate.
