Malviya Flags BJP Button Taping In West Bengal Phase 2 Polling
Malviya accuses TMC of taping BJP EVM buttons in Falta; repoll sought.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amit Malviya has alleged that voters were unable to select the BJP option in a Trinamool Congress stronghold during the ongoing West Bengal elections, intensifying the political controversy surrounding polling-day conduct.
According to Malviya, the alleged incident involved the electronic voting machine (EVM) not registering votes in favor of the BJP, effectively “blocking” the option in a booth located in a TMC-dominated area. He raised the issue publicly, calling into question the integrity of the voting process and urging authorities to investigate the matter.
The allegations come amid a broader backdrop of heightened tensions and sporadic disruptions during the current phase of polling. Reports from multiple locations in the state have indicated incidents of violence, vandalism, and claims of voter intimidation by rival political camps. These developments reflect the intensely competitive nature of the particularly between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.
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The TMC has not immediately responded in detail to Malviya’s specific claim, but leaders from the party have previously accused the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral process through misinformation and pressure tactics. In parallel, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that central agencies and election authorities were acting in a manner that could intimidate her party’s workers.
Election authorities have maintained that mechanisms are in place to address technical glitches or complaints related to EVMs, including provisions for verification and, if necessary, re-polling at affected booths. Such safeguards are designed to ensure transparency and uphold voter confidence in the system.
The controversy highlights the charged atmosphere surrounding the West Bengal polls, where allegations and counter-allegations have become a recurring feature. With the seen as a crucial contest for political dominance in the state, even isolated incidents are likely to draw significant scrutiny and shape the broader narrative of the electoral process.
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