EVM Irregularities Spark Concerns During West Bengal Assembly Elections Phase 2
- MGMMTeam
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Allegations of irregularities involving Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have emerged during the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, drawing significant attention to the Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas. Reports of tape placed on certain candidate buttons on EVMs have prompted swift action from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has ordered verification and potential repolling in affected booths.
Background of the Falta Constituency
Falta, which falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat represented by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, has been a focal point of political activity. The Trinamool Congress candidate, Jahangir Khan — a close associate of Banerjee — is contesting from this seat. The area witnessed heightened tensions even before polling, following a reported confrontation between Khan’s family and a police observer. Central security forces were deployed extensively to ensure smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Details of the Allegations
During polling on April 29, videos shared on social media showed tape allegedly placed over buttons corresponding to the BJP candidate Debangshu Panda and, in some instances, the CPM candidate on EVMs in multiple booths, including numbers 144, 170, and 189. BJP leaders, including IT cell chief Amit Malviya, highlighted these instances, describing them as attempts to obstruct voter choice and demanding immediate repolling in the affected areas. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda also visited several booths to assess the situation on the ground.
Similar reports surfaced from other parts of the state. In Purba Bardhaman’s Monteswar constituency, voting was temporarily halted at Booth No. 35 after cellophane tape was reportedly found covering a button linked to a TMC candidate. Officials reached the spot promptly to examine the machine.
Election Commission’s Response
The Election Commission has taken the complaints seriously. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that any verified instance of tampering or obstruction on EVM buttons would result in repolling in the concerned booths. He emphasized that reports from district election officers and observers would be thoroughly examined, adding that a full repoll in the constituency could be considered if widespread irregularities are confirmed. Polling officials have been directed to report such incidents immediately to higher authorities.
The ECI’s prompt intervention underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process amid the high-stakes Assembly polls.
Political Reactions and Broader Context
Opposition leaders, including senior BJP figures like Suvendu Adhikari, have raised the matter with central authorities and called for strict safeguards. TMC representatives have urged that all complaints be formally addressed through the Election Commission and have denied involvement in any irregularities. The incidents have added to the charged political atmosphere in the state, even as overall voter turnout in Phase 2 remained steady with reports of long queues at many polling stations.
These developments come despite extensive security arrangements, including the deployment of over 2.5 lakh central forces and widespread use of CCTV surveillance across polling stations.
The MGMM Outlook
Allegations of EVM irregularities during Phase 2 of the West Bengal Assembly elections have intensified scrutiny around electoral transparency, particularly in sensitive constituencies like Falta. The emergence of visuals showing taped buttons on machines, whether isolated or systemic, has reinforced long-standing concerns about procedural vulnerabilities on polling day. Even though the Election Commission responded quickly with verification orders and the possibility of repolling, such incidents tend to shape public perception more strongly than official clarifications. In a politically charged environment, even minor lapses risk being amplified into broader questions about institutional credibility and fairness.
The developments also reflect how tightly contested elections can magnify distrust between competing parties, with each side leveraging incidents to strengthen its narrative. While the deployment of central forces and surveillance measures indicates robust preparedness, the persistence of such complaints suggests that administrative safeguards alone may not be enough without consistent on-ground vigilance and rapid corrective mechanisms. Ensuring transparency is not just about addressing irregularities after they occur but preventing ambiguity at every stage, as confidence in the electoral process ultimately depends on both the integrity of systems and the perception of their impartial functioning.
(Sources: India Today, Business Today, NDTV)
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