Mamata expressed concern that some EVMs could be deliberately tampered with and instructed her party to refuse machine repairs, demanding full replacement instead. She warned: “Inspect all EVM machines thoroughly. Booth agents, too, must scrutinize the EVMs carefully… After voting, under supervision of the CRPF and Central Forces, machines could potentially be swapped; we must maintain round-the-clock vigilance.”
CM Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata: During election rallies on Sunday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged voters to “take revenge through the ballot box,” raising concerns over alleged deletions from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Speaking in Bhabanipur and Samserganj, she instructed her party workers to maintain strict vigilance over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Addressing her supporters, Mamata asked those whose names were removed from voter lists to appeal to the tribunal and vote decisively, stating, “Cast your votes in such a manner that the results themselves demonstrate that the politics of deleting names is unacceptable.” Without naming him directly, she also hinted at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging his involvement in the removal of voters’ names in West Bengal and challenging him to a direct contest.
Directive on EVMs
Mamata expressed concern that some EVMs could be deliberately tampered with and instructed her party to refuse machine repairs, demanding full replacement instead. She warned: “Inspect all EVM machines thoroughly. Booth agents, too, must scrutinize the EVMs carefully... After voting, under supervision of the CRPF and Central Forces, machines could potentially be swapped; we must maintain round-the-clock vigilance.”
Reference to Waqf Act and Violence
In Samsherganj, Murshidabad-a hotspot of violence during 2025 protests against the Waqf Bill-Mamata reaffirmed her government’s commitment to protecting the Muslim community, accusing the BJP of spreading false narratives.
Criticism of the Election Commission
She also criticized the Election Commission, questioning why Assembly elections cannot use the same voter list from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mamata warned against the establishment of detention centers under the NRC pretext, alleging her government is being targeted through a campaign of vindictive politics.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases-April 23 and April 29-with vote counting set for May 4.
