EVM complaints trigger repoll in 15 West Bengal booths

Repolling commenced across 15 polling stations in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas after the Election Commission of India (ECI) received 77 complaints alleging tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), raising serious questions over the credibility of the electoral process.

The fresh polling exercise, ordered after a preliminary review of complaints, is being conducted in booths spread across the Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim Assembly segments. A decision on extending repolling to Falta — where the highest number of complaints emerged —remains pending.

Voting is being held from 7 am to 6 pm, covering 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. Early turnout trends showed 16.68% voting in Magrahat Paschim and 15.83% in Diamond Harbour by 9 am.

The controversy stems from polling held on April 29 during the second phase of the Assembly elections, when the poll body recorded 77 complaints alleging EVM interference. The allegations included the use of black tape, adhesive substances, ink, and even perfume on voting buttons —raising concerns over voter accessibility and ballot clarity.

Falta accounted for the highest number of complaints at 32, followed by Diamond Harbour (29), Magrahat (13), and Budge Budge (3). Acting on these inputs, the Commission ordered repolling under Section 58(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which allows cancellation of polling in cases of serious irregularities.

The issue first surfaced in Falta, part of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, a politically sensitive region linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee. The BJP alleged that the tampering obstructed voters from selecting candidates, potentially compromising electoral fairness.

Multiple complaints from voters and political representatives cited irregularities ranging from EVM interference to booth capturing and attempted rigging. Reports also indicated that tape was placed near or over the names and symbols of BJP and CPI(M) candidates, potentially obscuring them.

Videos circulated by BJP leaders amplified the allegations, intensifying the political confrontation during the polling phase.

Falta booths under scrutiny

Sources indicate the controversy may extend beyond the 15 booths currently undergoing repolling. Around 30 additional polling stations in Falta are under review, with the ECI yet to take a final call on whether fresh voting will be ordered there.

The Commission had earlier invalidated the April 29 polling in the affected booths after assessing initial findings. While no irregularities were detected during pre-poll checks or mock drills, officials suspect that any interference may have occurred during active voting hours.

Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal reiterated the Commission’s “zero tolerance” policy towards electoral malpractice, stating that repoll decisions are based on detailed ground reports from officials and observers.

Election guidelines classify the placement of foreign substances on EVM buttons as a serious offence, as it can disrupt the voting process and mislead voters.

Despite the controversy, voter participation in West Bengal has remained exceptionally high. The state recorded an overall turnout of 92.93% across both phases—the highest since Independence. The first phase on 23 April saw 93.19% turnout, while the second phase on 29 April registered 92.67%, underscoring strong public engagement amid political tensions.