bjp-alleges-voting-irregularities-in-falta-says-tape-on-evms

 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya accused that voters were prevented from selecting the BJP at multiple polling booths in Falta, located in the Diamond Harbour constituency, during phase two of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He claimed that the BJP option on electronic voting machines (EVMs) was blocked with tape at several locations, referring to the practice as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and calling for a repoll in the affected booths.

 

In a post on X, Malviya stated, “This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour. In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat.”

 

 

Malviya further demanded an immediate repoll in all impacted booths, listing specific examples including Falta 144 Part 170, Room No. 2 at Harindanga High School, and alleging similar issues at booth 189 among others.The Election Commission responded by assuring that any claims of irregularities, such as the taping of buttons, would be verified and, if proven true, a repoll would be conducted at the concerned booths. A West Bengal Election Commissioner said, “If any irregularities or if reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll.”

 

 

Earlier on the same day, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, accused central forces and poll authorities of involvement in irregularities. She alleged that new personnel introduced during the voting process were acting with impunity.

 

 

Addressing reporters, Banerjee remarked, “CRPF… There is a court order, but they are saying they will not obey it. We have issued a contempt of court notice, yet so many observers have come from outside. Whatever the BJP says, they are doing. Just look around, all our posters have been removed.” "Is this how polls take place? Votes will be cast by voters, not by the police or security forces. Some new people have recently been brought in, and they are doing whatever they want. They are doing terrorism," she said