Today, the Election Commission firmly addressed the unfounded claims by the Trinamool Congress regarding EVMs allegedly “labelled with BJP tags” in the Bankura district. The accusations come amid the sixth phase of the general election in West Bengal. They have been seen as another attempt by the TMC to undermine the electoral process.
The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, posted images of EVMs with paper tags labelled “BJP” on social media platform X. Their post stated,
“Smt. @MamataOfficial has repeatedly warned that @BJP4India is attempting to rig votes by tampering with EVMs. Today, in Bankura’s Raghunathpur, 5 EVMs were discovered with BJP tags.”
The party demanded an immediate investigation by the Election Commission and corrective measures.
ECI Responds To The Allegations
In response, the Election Commission issued a clear and detailed rebuttal. They explained,
“During commissioning, common address tags were signed by the candidates and their agents present. Since only the BJP candidate’s representative was present at that time, his signature was taken for commissioning the EVM and VVPAT.”
The Commission further clarified that all procedural norms were followed. The process was conducted under full CCTV coverage and duly videographed.
TMC’s Disruptive Tactics in Ghatal, West Bengal
While the TMC continues to push baseless allegations, their disruptive tactics were on full display in the Ghatal constituency. Chaos erupted when BJP’s agent was barred from entering the polling station by TMC supporters. It revealed the party’s penchant for intimidation and violence to influence the electoral process.
BJP candidate Hiranmoy Chatterjee, an actor-turned-politician, faced significant hostility when he attempted to visit the polling station. His convoy was halted by TMC supporters who set fires in the middle of the road, preventing him from entering the Keshpur area. Chatterjee’s vehicle was surrounded, endangering his life despite the deployment of 919 companies of central forces to maintain law and order during the elections.
Hiranmoy Chatterjee’s Fiery Response
Chatterjee did not hold back in his criticism of the TMC and the local authorities. He lashed out at the security forces for their inaction against the TMC’s so-called ‘lungi army.’ “Officer-in-Charge of Keshpur Amit Mukherjee and Officer-in-Charge of Anandpur Sunny carried out bombing throughout the night, ransacked houses, and thrashed our workers. They even took away our polling agents,” he stated. Chatterjee emphasized the need to protect democracy in Bengal and called out higher officials for their lack of action.
He further lamented, “Mamata Banerjee has transformed Keshpur into Pakistan,” highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation under TMC’s rule. Chatterjee also pointed to previous instances of harassment by the West Bengal police, mentioning a recent raid on his secretary’s house, as evidence of the TMC’s ongoing campaign of intimidation.
Election Integrity Under Scrutiny In West Bengal
As the election progresses, the Election Commission’s role in ensuring transparency and fairness remains crucial. Their swift response to the TMC’s baseless allegations underscores their commitment to maintaining electoral integrity. Meanwhile, the violent incidents in Ghatal expose the TMC’s desperate and petty tactics to cling to power. Its casts a shadow over the democratic process in West Bengal.
The ongoing electoral battle in West Bengal is not just a contest for seats but a fight for the very essence of democracy in the state.
The TMC’s attempts to manipulate and intimidate reveal their fear of losing power, while the BJP’s resistance and call for justice highlight their commitment to democratic principles and fair elections.