As voting ended in the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal stated repolls would follow verification of EVM tampering claims involving tapes or ink. The BJP shared videos alleging issues in Falta constituency booths. The commission invoked its zero-tolerance policy while examining reports.
Polling in the second phase of West Bengal's assembly elections wrapped up on Wednesday amid allegations of EVM tampering. The BJP claimed its symbols were covered with tape or ink at certain booths, with IT cell chief Amit Malviya posting a video on X showing white tape on booths 144 and 189 in the Falta assembly seat.
Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal responded that repolls would be ordered wherever tapes or tampering are confirmed, following a zero-tolerance policy. "Wherever we got tapes on EVMs or any form of tampering with the EVMs, we will conduct a repoll," he said. Decisions would stem from reports by district election officers and observers, with preliminary checks showing no issues during official handling or mock polls.
Agarwal suggested the acts might have happened during voting, possibly by voters pasting tapes, and vowed to scrutinize voting times for clues. EVMs are under central paramilitary forces' responsibility, and entire constituencies could face repolls if multiple booths are affected. The commission received 2,196 complaints across 142 constituencies polled that day.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya echoed the tampering claims at a press conference, asserting his party would form a government with a comfortable majority. He accused the TMC of hurdles but praised central forces for peaceful voting. Results are due on May 4.
