ECI Orders Repoll in West Bengal’s Falta After Tape Found Obscuring Candidate Names on EVMs

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a repoll in several booths within the Falta Assembly constituency following reports of EVM tampering. The constituency, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, became a flashpoint after officials discovered BJP symbols and CPM candidate names obscured with tape on voting machines.

Tampering Allegations and The “Diamond Harbour Model”

BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intentionally blocked voters by jamming EVM buttons. Reports surfaced from Booth No. 144, where physical tape reportedly covered the names of opposition candidates.

BJP IT chief Amit Malviya shared footage of the compromised machines on social media, claiming that booths 170 and 189 were similarly sabotaged. Malviya described the incident as the “Diamond Harbour model,” asserting that these tactics effectively prevented citizens from exercising their democratic choice.

Official Response and Repolling

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal confirmed the severity of the reports. While the ECI has mandated repolls for the specific booths involved, Agarwal warned that the commission would consider a repoll for the entire constituency if further evidence of systemic tampering emerges.

A similar disturbance occurred in the Monteswar constituency of Purba Bardhaman. Authorities temporarily halted voting at Booth No. 35 after finding cellophane tape over a candidate’s photograph on the EVM.

High-Stakes Standoff

Falta has been under heavy surveillance due to the friction between ECI-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma and TMC candidate Jahangir Khan. Before the polls, Sharma issued a stern warning to Khan regarding any attempts to derail the voting process.

While the situation remains calm, Jahangir Khan has reportedly stayed within his party office to monitor the fallout. Security forces have since intensified their presence at disputed locations to protect the integrity of the second phase of polling.

BJP leadership, including spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo, condemned the incidents, characterizing them as a sign of frustration from the Trinamool Congress. Leaders from other states, including Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, also criticized the reported clashes, describing the violence as an attempt to undermine the democratic process. While the Trinamool Congress faced accusations of targeting opposition polling agents, the BJP maintained that the electorate’s shift toward change has triggered these defensive tactics in traditionally high-profile strongholds.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal reaffirmed a “zero tolerance” policy toward polling irregularities on Wednesday. Speaking during the second phase of the Assembly elections, Agarwal emphasized that the Election Commission will order repolling in any constituency where investigators confirm EVM tampering or procedural violations.

Surveillance and Swift Response

The CEO highlighted that the commission monitors the 142 constituencies through webcasting, field reports, and observer feedback. District Magistrates and election officials are reviewing live feeds to identify disruptions in real-time.

Addressing a specific disturbance reported during the day, Agarwal confirmed that a Quick Response Team (QRT), Kolkata Police, and central forces successfully restored order. “It is not ideal for crowds to gather during an election,” he remarked, urging citizens to maintain decorum during the democratic process.

Voter Secrecy and Legal Consequences

Agarwal also addressed public concerns regarding voter privacy and the use of surveillance cameras inside polling stations. He clarified the following:

• Camera Placement: CCTVs monitor the entrance and exit of voting enclosures but do not record the actual ballot casting.
• Confidentiality: The law fully protects the identity and choices of every voter.
• Penalties: Anyone caught violating the secrecy of the ballot faces a minimum of three months in jail under the law of the land.

The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections continues under heavy security, with authorities prioritizing a free and fair environment in sensitive areas.