Perfume, ink, glue on EVMs will be tampering: EC before Bengal, Tamil Nadu polls

The poll panel warned that applying fragrances on EVM buttons to track votes violates ballot secrecy, and directed officials to inspect machines thoroughly, ensuring all buttons remain visible and free of any substances.

In Short

• Such acts deemed tampering, may trigger criminal action, re-poll
• Officials instructed to ensure EVM buttons remain clean, visible
• Kolkata imposes strict motorcycle restrictions ahead of polling days

The Election Commission of India (EC) has issued stringent directives ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, warning that any attempt to apply substances such as perfume, ink, glue or chemicals on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) buttons will be treated as "tampering" and a serious electoral offence.

Amid reports that some political workers allegedly use fragrances on EVM buttons to identify voting patterns, EC officials clarified that such practices directly violate the principle of ballot secrecy.

"No colour or ink or perfume or other chemical can be put on the candidate button of the ballot unit (on which voters cast their vote) to reveal the secrecy of votes," a poll panel functionary underlined.

Officials emphasised that Presiding Officers at every polling booth have been instructed to thoroughly inspect EVM ballot units before and during voting to ensure that all candidate buttons remain clearly visible and free from any foreign material.

"The EC will not hesitate to take criminal action and can order a re-poll," an EC functionary said.

If any such instance of "mischief" is detected, the Presiding Officer is required to immediately inform the Sector Officer or the Returning Officer.

According to EC sources, these acts fall squarely under "tampering/interfering with the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), which is an electoral offence".

The Commission has reiterated that even minor interference—such as covering buttons with adhesive or marking them with substances—could compromise the integrity of the voting process and will invite strict penal consequences.

Authorities have also warned that re-polling may be ordered in affected booths if such violations are confirmed.

The guidelines are part of a broader push by the Election Commission to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in both states.

Officials have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance and act swiftly against any attempts to manipulate the voting process.

Polling personnel have also been asked to discharge their duties with "complete diligence and attention".

MOTORBIKES BAN DURING NIGHTS IN KOLKATA

In a parallel move to strengthen security and prevent intimidation, restrictions have been imposed on the motorcycle movement in Kolkata ahead of polling.

As per orders issued by city police following directions from the Chief Electoral Officer, motorbikes will be banned from 6 pm to 6 am starting April 27. No motorbike rallies will be permitted during this period.

Additionally, no pillion riding will be allowed between 6 am and 6 pm, except in cases such as medical emergencies, family exigencies, or for school-related travel.

On polling day, however, family members will be allowed to ride a pillion to facilitate voting.

Those seeking exemptions must obtain prior written permission from local police stations.

The restrictions will apply across Kolkata and adjoining areas under its police jurisdiction.

CAMPAIGNING ENDS IN BENGAL, TAMIL NADU

Meanwhile, campaigning for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and the first of the two-phased West Bengal elections has concluded after an intense and often acrimonious contest.

The electoral battle has been marked by high-decibel rhetoric and the presence of multiple key players, making it a closely watched contest.

Voting for Tamil Nadu’s 234 seats and the first phase in West Bengal, when 152 of the 294 seats will go to polls, is scheduled for April 23. The second phase of Bengal polls is scheduled on April 29.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

- Ends
With PTI inputs