Huge ruckus in the second phase of Bengal, there was a stir after finding tape on EVM, Election Commission took big action: – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: During the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, the great festival of democracy has been overshadowed by uproar. During the voting, reports of tampering with EVMs have come to light from many booths, which have put a question mark on the security arrangements of the Election Commission. The situation became tense after complaints were received about tape being pasted on the buttons of EVMs at several polling stations. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Election Commission has taken a tough stand and has given a historic decision of re-polling at the disputed booths.

EVM tapes and voters’ uproar, what is the whole matter? During the second phase of voting, shocking pictures emerged from many districts of Bengal. It is alleged that except the buttons bearing the election symbols of certain parties, black or transparent tapes were pasted on them, so that voters could not press the buttons. When voters complained about this to the presiding officers, an uproar started at the polling stations. Opposition parties raised slogans calling it a conspiracy by the ruling party, after which the voting process was disrupted for several hours.

Voting will be held again at these booths, Election Commission released the list Based on complaints from various political parties and reports from observers, the Election Commission has declared the polling at the affected booths void. The Commission has clarified that re-polling will now be conducted in the booths where EVM tampering has been confirmed. The dates for re-polling will be announced soon. The Commission has also directed that in the next phases, greater vigilance should be maintained inside the polling stations and interference from any outsider should not be tolerated.

Clash between security forces and election officials After the incident of tapes being found at the booths, there was a heated debate between the central security forces and the local administration. The opposition alleged that all this happened in the presence of the local police, while the security personnel on duty did not intervene in time. The Election Commission has ordered a strict departmental inquiry against the officials found involved in the case. This incident has further increased the political heat in the election environment of Bengal.

An attack on democracy or just a technical glitch? There has been a fierce battle in the political circles regarding this incident. While the main opposition parties are calling it theft of voting, the administration says that these were isolated incidents which have been controlled. However, the re-poll decision made it clear that the irregularities were not on a small scale. Now everyone’s eyes are on those booths where votes will be cast again and elaborate security arrangements will be made.