📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Trinamool Congress’s allegation of EVMs “with BJP tags” used in Bankura district has garnered attention in the ongoing Lok Sabha Election 2024. The Election Commission swiftly responded to these claims, providing insights into the issue.
The controversy arose when Trinamool Congress, led by Smt. Mamata Banerjee, accused the BJP of rigging votes by tampering with EVMs. Images of EVMs with paper tags bearing the BJP symbol were shared on social media, raising concerns about the electoral process.
In response, the Election Commission clarified that during the commissioning of the EVMs and VVPATs, the common address tags were signed by the Candidates and their agents present. The presence of only a BJP Candidate’s representative during that time led to the signature being taken during commissioning. Additionally, the signature of all agents present in specific polling stations was obtained during the poll, ensuring compliance with ECI norms.
The Commission further emphasized that all commissioning processes were conducted under CCTV coverage and videography to maintain transparency and accountability.
The ongoing Lok Sabha Election 2024 in West Bengal has heightened the stakes for both the BJP and the Trinamool. With eight crucial seats in the state up for grabs in the sixth phase of elections, key candidates from various parties are vying for victory. Fashion-designer-turned-politician Agnimitra Paul, former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, and Trinamool’s Debangshu Bhattacharya are among the prominent contenders in this election.
As the electoral drama unfolds in West Bengal, the allegations of EVM tampering and the Election Commission’s responses add a layer of intrigue to the political landscape. Voters and observers are closely following the developments, eager to see how the accusations and clarifications will impact the electoral outcome.
