TMC Accuses BJP of EVM Tampering in West Bengal Elections; EC Denies Allegations

The political atmosphere in West Bengal has intensified as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raised serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the integrity of the recently held assembly elections. The TMC claims that the Election Commission is collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to manipulate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), thus undermining the democratic process.

On Thursday, the TMC took to social media to share videos that they assert reveal the BJP’s unlawful activities. According to the party, the footage shows individuals, whose identities remain undisclosed, handling ballot boxes in a manner that violates electoral protocols, particularly without the oversight of political party representatives. The TMC’s statement claimed that this constitutes blatant electoral fraud, occurring with the tacit approval of the Election Commission.

Polling in West Bengal was conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting scheduled for May 4. The TMC accused the BJP of resorting to desperate measures after facing significant setbacks in the elections, stating that the party had previously employed tactics like voter intimidation and manipulation of voter lists. The TMC also expressed their belief that the BJP’s attempts to alter the electoral outcome through EVM tampering reflect a broader pattern observed in other states where the party has been successful.

In a robust defense, the TMC leader, Mamata Banerjee, emphasized the determination of West Bengal’s electorate, suggesting that the state would not tolerate what they perceive as attempts to undermine democracy. She asserted that the political landscape in Bengal differs from other states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, or Bihar, where BJP has previously won elections amid allegations of irregularities. Banerjee’s rhetoric underscored the party’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process in West Bengal, insisting that they would actively challenge any perceived injustices.

In response to the TMC’s claims, the Election Commission firmly rejected the allegations of EVM tampering, stating that the accusations are unfounded and lacking in evidence. The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections, while maintaining that all necessary protocols were followed during the ballot counting process. As the counting day approaches, the political drama in West Bengal unfolds, capturing the attention of the nation and raising critical questions about electoral integrity in one of India’s most politically charged states.

Source: scroll.in