EC's big move before results: Repoll ordered at 15 Bengal booths, voting on May 2
During the second phase of elections in West Bengal, multiple reports of EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) tampering surfaced from various polling stations. Additionally, in Falta, South 24 Parganas, there were allegations that the BJP button on the EVMs had been covered with tape.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsThe Election Commission has ordered repolling at 15 polling stations in West Bengal on May 2 amid rising tensions between the BJP and TMC over alleged irregularities ahead of the final election results. Repolling has been ordered in two constituencies, Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour, by the ECI. This follows reports of EVM tampering during the second phase of elections and allegations of taping over the BJP button in Falta, South 24 Parganas.
During the second phase of elections in West Bengal, multiple reports of EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) tampering surfaced from various polling stations. Additionally, in Falta, South 24 Parganas, there were allegations that the BJP button on the EVMs had been covered with tape.
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Bengal CEC reacts
West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal confirmed that repolling is likely to be held at 2-3 locations in South 24 Parganas. He added that there is not 100% confirmation. It will be clear only after a report the Observer will file where irregularities are submitted.
“There are chances of a repoll at 2-3 locations in South 24 Parganas. The Observer will file a report; it will be clear in some time. There is not 100% confirmation of the same. Repolling will happen at a few locations, but it will be clear only after a report from the Observer. The information will be available within 2 hours,” he said.
Amit Malviya on voting irregularities
During the second phase of polling on April 29, BJP’s co-in-charge of West Bengal Amit Malviya had alleged that the BJP option was allegedly blocked using tape, thereby preventing voters from choosing the party candidate at several polling booths in Falta under the Diamond Harbour constituency. Malviya termed it as ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ and alleged that the model helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.
In a post on X, Malviya wrote, “This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour. In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.”
West Bengal assembly election
Elections in West Bengal were held in two phases and witnessed a huge turnout of voters across the state. The results are scheduled to be declared on May 4.
(With ANI inputs)