The BJP alleged that the names of its candidates were covered with tape on EVMs.

EC gets 77 EVM tampering complaints from Bengal, decision on re-polling today

The Election Commission will decide on Thursday whether to order re-polling in parts of West Bengal after 77 complaints of alleged EVM tampering.

by · India Today

In Short

  • BJP alleges tape covered buttons to hide candidates' names
  • Election Commission receives 77 complaints of EVM tampering
  • EC to decide today on re-polling in parts of West Bengal

The Election Commission is set to decide on Thursday whether to order re-polling in parts of West Bengal after receiving 77 complaints of alleged EVM tampering during the second phase of polling. The complaints alleged that buttons on electronic voting machines (EVMs) were marked with black tape, adhesive substances, ink, and even perfume.

According to sources in the Commission, the complaints came from the Falta, Magrahat, Diamond Harbour and Budge Budge constituencies. Falta, which emerged as a major political flashpoint, accounted for 32 complaints, followed by Diamond Harbour (29), Magrahat (13) and Budge Budge (3).

Officials said that 23 cases have been prima facie confirmed, including 20 from Falta. After verifying all complaints, the Election Commission is expected to review the findings at its full quorum meeting and decide where and when re-polling should be conducted.

The second phase of polling on Wednesday saw widespread chaos and political uproar, with the BJP alleging that buttons corresponding to its candidates were deliberately covered with tape to conceal their names.

As the row ignited, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Wednesday said re-polling would be ordered in booths where such violations are confirmed, reiterating the Commission’s “zero tolerance” policy towards electoral malpractice.

The CEO added that a decision on re-polling would be taken only after examining detailed reports from district election officers and election observers regarding allegations of tampering with EVMs. Preliminary checks, he said, have not indicated any irregularities in the handling of machines by polling officials, including during mock polls, suggesting that the alleged acts may have occurred during voting.

As per the Commission’s guidelines, any attempt to paste objects or apply substances such as ink or perfume on EVM buttons amounts to possible tampering or interference and is treated as a serious electoral offence.

Meanwhile, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 92.47 per cent across the two phases of Assembly polls, the highest in the state since Independence. While Phase II saw a turnout of 91.66 per cent, polling in Phase I on April 23 recorded a higher participation of 93.19 per cent.

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