Widespread Irregularities Lead to Repolling in West Bengal's Falta Constituency
EVMs Taped To Block Votes, Scent Smeared To Find Voters: Bengal Repoll Report
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The Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling stations in the Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal due to serious electoral irregularities, including tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs) and coercion of voters. The fresh voting will take place on May 21, with results counted on May 24.
- 01Repolling ordered in Falta assembly constituency due to extensive electoral fraud.
- 02Irregularities included blocking votes with tape and identifying voters with perfume and ink.
- 03Reports of booth-capturing and intimidation of genuine voters were widespread.
- 04Video feeds showed significant gaps, making verification of the voting process impossible.
- 05The Election Commission deemed the integrity of the election compromised, necessitating a full repoll.
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The Election Commission of India has mandated fresh voting in all 285 polling stations of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal due to serious electoral violations. The decision follows a report detailing extensive tampering with electronic voting machines (EVMs), including the use of black tape to block votes and the application of perfume and ink on ballot buttons to identify voters. Allegations of booth-capturing and intimidation tactics were rampant, with reports indicating that genuine voters were coerced or prevented from casting their votes. Election observers confirmed that these irregularities severely compromised the integrity of the election, making results unreliable. Additionally, significant gaps in video surveillance footage hindered the verification process, while reports of unauthorized individuals entering voting compartments and guiding voters were noted. The Election Commission concluded that these violations justified a complete cancellation of the election in Falta, with repolling scheduled for May 21 and counting on May 24.
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The repolling in Falta aims to restore electoral integrity and ensure that all genuine voters have the opportunity to participate without coercion.
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