BJP button on EVM taped in Trinamool candidate's stronghold, EC orders probe
Tensions flared in South 24 Parganas' Falta, where Abhishek Banerjee's aide Jahangir Khan is contesting, after BJP leaders shared videos showing tape placed next to BJP and CPM candidates' names, raising concerns over blocked voting options in several booths.
Falta, an Assembly seat in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency represented by Abhishek Banerjee, has emerged as a major flashpoint in the run-up to polling day. Trinamool Congress candidate and Banerjee’s aide Jahangir Khan has been at the centre of tensions, particularly following a confrontation with police observer Ajay Pal Sharma. Sharma’s warning to Khan and his family not to derail voting on the eve of polling had already made headlines.
Fresh allegations on voting day have added fuel to the fire, with claims of EVM malfunction and possible tampering surfacing from Falta. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda has accused the Trinamool Congress of deliberately obstructing voters from casting ballots in TMC's favour, escalating tensions further.
The Election Commission termed the complaint “serious” and has ordered a probe, saying that a repoll will be ordered if tampering is established. The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Khan and Sharma.
According to Election Commission sources, clear instructions had already been issued on April 21 ahead of the first phase of polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Presiding officers at all booths were directed to ensure that every candidate button on the EVM is clearly visible and not covered with tape, glue or any other material.
They were also instructed to check that no ink, colour, perfume or chemical substance is applied on the ballot unit buttons, as it could compromise the secrecy of voting. Any such instance must be immediately reported to the sector or returning officer.
The Commission has made it clear that such cases may fall under EVM tampering or interference, a serious electoral offence. If confirmed, the poll body will not hesitate to order a repoll and initiate criminal action against those responsible.
BJP IT chief and Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya said the incident was reported from booth number 144 and claimed booths 170 and 189 were similarly compromised. Videos circulating online appear to show tape placed next to the names of both CPM and BJP candidates, though the CPM has not issued a statement so far.
According to the BJP candidate, the button corresponding to his name and party symbol was allegedly jammed in several booths, preventing voters from casting votes in his favour. Sharing purported videos, Amit Malviya wrote on X, “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 tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice,” he added, describing it as the “Diamond Harbour model” and alleging it aided Banerjee’s electoral win.
Debangshu Panda alleged the acts were aimed at influencing the polling process and preventing fair voting. The accusations have intensified political tensions, though there is no official confirmation yet on the specific claims.
Amid the standoff between Ajay Pal Sharma and Jahangir Khan, the situation in Falta remains peaceful for now. Khan has stayed inside the party office, monitoring developments, and has not stepped out of his war room.
Meanwhile, voting was briefly halted at Booth No. 35 in Monteswar Assembly constituency in Purba Bardhaman after allegations that an EVM button was covered with cellophane tape. The fourth button on the machine, bearing a candidate’s photograph, was reportedly found taped, prompting a precautionary halt.
Election Commission officials and police reached the spot and are examining the machine while verifying the allegations. Efforts are underway to restore normal polling. The taped button is reported to be that of TMC candidate Siddiqullah Chowdhury.
Falta, an Assembly seat in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency represented by Abhishek Banerjee, has emerged as a major flashpoint in the run-up to polling day. Trinamool Congress candidate and Banerjee’s aide Jahangir Khan has been at the centre of tensions, particularly following a confrontation with police observer Ajay Pal Sharma. Sharma’s warning to Khan and his family not to derail voting on the eve of polling had already made headlines.
Fresh allegations on voting day have added fuel to the fire, with claims of EVM malfunction and possible tampering surfacing from Falta. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda has accused the Trinamool Congress of deliberately obstructing voters from casting ballots in TMC's favour, escalating tensions further.
The Election Commission termed the complaint “serious” and has ordered a probe, saying that a repoll will be ordered if tampering is established. The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Khan and Sharma.
According to Election Commission sources, clear instructions had already been issued on April 21 ahead of the first phase of polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Presiding officers at all booths were directed to ensure that every candidate button on the EVM is clearly visible and not covered with tape, glue or any other material.
They were also instructed to check that no ink, colour, perfume or chemical substance is applied on the ballot unit buttons, as it could compromise the secrecy of voting. Any such instance must be immediately reported to the sector or returning officer.
The Commission has made it clear that such cases may fall under EVM tampering or interference, a serious electoral offence. If confirmed, the poll body will not hesitate to order a repoll and initiate criminal action against those responsible.
BJP IT chief and Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya said the incident was reported from booth number 144 and claimed booths 170 and 189 were similarly compromised. Videos circulating online appear to show tape placed next to the names of both CPM and BJP candidates, though the CPM has not issued a statement so far.
According to the BJP candidate, the button corresponding to his name and party symbol was allegedly jammed in several booths, preventing voters from casting votes in his favour. Sharing purported videos, Amit Malviya wrote on X, “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 tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice,” he added, describing it as the “Diamond Harbour model” and alleging it aided Banerjee’s electoral win.
Debangshu Panda alleged the acts were aimed at influencing the polling process and preventing fair voting. The accusations have intensified political tensions, though there is no official confirmation yet on the specific claims.
Amid the standoff between Ajay Pal Sharma and Jahangir Khan, the situation in Falta remains peaceful for now. Khan has stayed inside the party office, monitoring developments, and has not stepped out of his war room.
Meanwhile, voting was briefly halted at Booth No. 35 in Monteswar Assembly constituency in Purba Bardhaman after allegations that an EVM button was covered with cellophane tape. The fourth button on the machine, bearing a candidate’s photograph, was reportedly found taped, prompting a precautionary halt.
Election Commission officials and police reached the spot and are examining the machine while verifying the allegations. Efforts are underway to restore normal polling. The taped button is reported to be that of TMC candidate Siddiqullah Chowdhury.
