Mamata Banerjee Accuses Central Forces of EVM Tampering in West Bengal Elections
Mamata Banerjee accuses central forces of escorting criminals to EVM strong rooms
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, accused central forces of attempting to capture electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the assembly elections. She claimed that criminals were escorted to EVM strong rooms, raising concerns about election integrity as the state prepares for the second phase of polling on April 29.
- 01Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces tried to capture EVMs during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
- 02She reported incidents of power being cut off in EVM strong rooms, with criminals allegedly escorted to those locations.
- 03The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal assured that all EVMs are secure and monitored.
- 04Banerjee criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its claims about her governance and the state of Kolkata.
- 05The second phase of polling is set for April 29, with Banerjee facing BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in her constituency.
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During a rally in Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee (Chief Minister of West Bengal) accused central forces of attempting to 'capture' electronic voting machines (EVMs) amid the ongoing assembly elections. She claimed that there were incidents where power to two strong rooms, where EVMs are stored, was cut off and that criminals were escorted to these locations to tamper with the machines. Banerjee expressed surprise at the Election Commission of India's (ECI) silence regarding these allegations. Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the state chief electoral officer, countered her claims, asserting that all EVMs are secure, locked, and have been double-checked. Banerjee's allegations come as she campaigns for the second phase of polling, scheduled for April 29, where she is contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari. She also criticized the BJP for its claims about her governance, emphasizing her efforts to improve Kolkata's infrastructure and support cultural events like Durga Puja.
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The allegations raised by Banerjee could influence voter confidence in the electoral process and affect the outcome of the elections in West Bengal.
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