West Bengal 2nd Phase Elections: BJP Alleges EVM Tampering on TMC, Polling Stopped in Multiple Locations Polling in the second phase of West Bengal elections was halted in several booths in Falta, Diamond Harbour, and surrounding areas after the BJP accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs). The allegations came as part of a broader dispute over the conduct of the election in the South 24 Parganas district, where the TMC’s candidate, Abhishek Banerjee (Mamata Banerjee’s son), faces competition from BJP’s Jahan Khan. The BJP claimed that TMC officials had physically altered EVMs by covering the BJP’s voting button with tape, preventing voters from selecting the BJP candidate. Video footage shared by BJP media incharge Amit Malviya allegedly showed EVMs in Falta’s Hariyandanga High School polling booth with tape over the BJP button. Malviya accused TMC of using a “Diamond Harbour model” to suppress BJP votes, suggesting this method had helped Abhishek secure his parliamentary seat. TMC dismissed the BJP’s claims as baseless, accusing the opposition of fabricating allegations to undermine their electoral prospects. TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta criticized Malviya for spreading online posts instead of reporting the issue to the Election Commission (EC). The EC stated it would investigate any credible tampering claims and, if proven, order re-polling in affected booths. The EC’s directive to re-poll in affected areas has sparked tensions, with the BJP demanding immediate action. Meanwhile, TMC defended its conduct, arguing that the EC’s oversight is necessary to address such allegations. The dispute highlights the heightened political stakes in the state, where the TMC’s dominance faces challenges from the BJP in key constituencies.#west_bengal #bjp #election_commission #tmc #abhishek_banerjee
