Kolkata: Allegations of EVM tampering and malfunction surfaced on polling day in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency on Wednesday, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to demand a repoll in affected booths. The seat falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency represented by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee.
The controversy erupted after BJP candidate Debangshu Panda accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of obstructing voters from casting ballots in his favour. According to him, the button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) corresponding to his name and party symbol was allegedly jammed in several booths.
Videos shared by BJP leaders on social media allegedly showed tape placed next to the names of BJP and CPM candidates on the machines. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malaviya claimed the incident was reported from booth number 144 and alleged similar issues at booths 170 and 189.
The Trinamool Congress candidate from Falta, Jahangir Khan, has already been at the centre of political tensions in the constituency following a confrontation with police observer Ajay Pal Sharma
on the eve of polling.
Responding to the allegations, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer said any booth where EVM button taping is verified and properly recorded will undergo repolling. Officials, however, said the machines were functioning normally after the issue was flagged.
Violence and vandalism reportedly took place in parts of the state, shortly after voting for the final phase of Assembly elections began on Wednesday, reported HT. Claims of an EVM glitch and failed and delayed voting were made in Hooghly. The CRPF personnel reportedly detained two people in Bally after a clash erupted over similar allegations.
Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee levelled allegations against central forces deployed in the state for the elections. Showing a clip towards the media, she said said the forces were working “as per the BJP’s directions”. She alleged that a Trinamool worker was beaten up and questioned if this was how voting should take place.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed people were voting in large numbers in Bengal. He added that voters in Bengal were now casting their votes without fear.
In another development, RG Kar victim’s mother, Ratna Debnath, who is contesting on a BJP ticket from Panihati constituency claimed that TMC “goons” tried to attack her at a polling booth and used “abusive language” against her.
Meanwhile, the state has recorded around 40% polling till 11 am in the second phase of polling today (Wednesday.)