The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday raised allegations of irregularities during the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, claiming that their party symbol had been obscured on electronic voting machines (EVMs) at various polling booths in the Falta area within the Diamond Harbour constituency.
Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition and BJP candidate from Bhabanipur and Nandigram, stated he discussed the alleged malpractice with senior party leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav. “The Election Commission has taken cognizance. If it proceeds this way, necessary actions will follow,” he remarked, noting that only around 35 percent voter turnout had been recorded at that point.
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, asserted that voters were obstructed from selecting the BJP option due to the use of tape at multiple booths. He termed this alleged practice the “Diamond Harbour Model” and advocated for an immediate repoll in the affected areas. Malviya pointed to specific locations, including Harindanga High School and Booth 189, claiming they had been similarly compromised.
In response to these allegations, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal indicated that any reports of tampering would undergo thorough verification. “If reports of taping any button arise, they will be checked and recorded. If substantiated, those booths will undergo a repoll,” the CEO assured, pledging action if any irregularities were confirmed.
This controversy emerged during a period of active polling across 142 constituencies in the second phase, with voter turnout nearing 40 percent by 11 am. Certain districts, including Purba Bardhaman and Hooghly, registered some of the highest participation levels.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed concerns regarding the conduct of central forces and polling authorities, alleging that “new people” brought into these areas were acting arbitrarily.
