The political drama in Bengal is far from over. While the repoll was being conducted at 15 booths in South 24 Parganas district, massive protests were reported from Valta district as locals alleged threats and intimidation by Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadre ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections to be held on May 4. Follow updates on repolls in Bengal here
The tense situation prompted authorities to beef up security measures as heavy security deployment was witnessed in the area, with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) stationed at key locations, news agency ANI reported. A CRPF armored vehicle was also deployed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order amid rising tensions.
“They threatened to burn our homes”
The protesters included many women, and they also expressed concerns about their safety and demanded action against the alleged officials.
“The TMC’s Isravel Chowkidar threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our homes and shed blood.” Another woman alleged that although they voted for the ruling party, they were being targeted. A local woman was quoted as saying: “We voted for the TMC, but they attacked us… We want him arrested. We want safety for women.”
The protest comes at a time when re-polls are underway at 15 centers across Magrat Paschim and Diamond Harbor constituencies based on directions from the Election Commission of India regarding irregularities reported during the second phase of polling.
Voter turnout for re-polling at the 11 polling stations in the Magrat Pachem Assembly was 72.5%, while the four booths in the Diamond Harbor Assembly recorded a turnout of 72.36%, bringing the total turnout to 72.43% as of 3pm, according to ECI data.
The re-polling comes after reports of tampering with the electronic voting machine (EVM) during the second and final phase of polling on April 29.
The Independent Electoral Commission received at least 77 complaints related to manipulation in the administration of e-voting during the second phase of the West Bengal elections.
In some cases, political party buttons on electronic voting machines were covered with tape or darkened with ink, preventing voters from casting ballots, officials said. In some cases, attars were placed on buttons so that anyone pressing them could be identified by rival parties.
Meanwhile, controversy has erupted over alleged irregularities in the EVM powerful chambers. The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has filed a complaint against a returning officer of Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, alleging unauthorized counting of postal ballot covers. The center is currently being used as a strong room to store EVMs.
The BJP also alleged that a strong room was opened without permission, triggering an investigation in which at least six officials were suspended.
