New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday alleged irregularities in the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, claiming that its party logo was affixed to electronic voting machines (EVMs) at several polling stations in Falta in Diamond Harbor constituency.West Bengal Assembly polls — Follow live updatesSuvendu Adhikari, leader of the opposition and the BJP candidate from Babanipur and Nandigram, said he had spoken to senior leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav about the alleged fraud. “The Electoral Commission is aware of this. If it operates in this way, then what is required will be done,” he said, noting that only about 35% of the votes had been cast.Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT cell, claimed that voters were unable to select the BJP option at multiple polling stations due to the use of tape. He called the so-called approach the “Diamond Harbor model” and called for immediate re-polls in affected areas. Malviya also named specific stalls, including one at Harindanga High School, and claimed that several other stalls, such as stall number 189, had suffered similar damage.Responding to the allegations, West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer said any reports of tampering would be thoroughly verified. “If any report of a button being tapped is received, it should be verified and recorded. If true, the booths will be re-polled,” the CEO said, assuring action upon confirmation of the breach.The controversy unfolded amid a heated second phase of polling in 142 constituencies, with voter turnout approaching 40% as of 11am. Districts like Purba Bardhaman and Hooghly saw the highest level of participation.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed concern over the conduct of central forces and poll bodies, claiming that the “newcomers” brought in acted arbitrarily.
