Bureau Prayagraj. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken a tough stand amid allegations of EVM irregularities, warning that she will fight “to the death” if there is any attempt to tamper with the voting machines or the counting process. Before the counting of votes on May 4, his statement has intensified the stir in the politics of the state.
Mamata Banerjee visited the strongroom at Sakhawat Memorial School in South Kolkata, where EVMs and ballot papers of Bhawanipur Assembly constituency are kept. He spent more than three hours here. The visit took place at a time when the Trinamool Congress has been continuously alleging suspicious activities around the strongroom on the basis of a viral video.
After coming out of the strongroom, Mamata Banerjee said that if anyone tries to steal the EVM machine or tamper with the counting of votes, she will fight him at the risk of her life. She also said that she will continue fighting on this issue throughout her life. Only after watching the CCTV footage, he decided to go to the spot and take stock of the situation.
The Chief Minister alleged that central security forces initially stopped him from entering the strongroom. However, citing his rights as a candidate, he was allowed inside. He said that as per election rules, candidates and their representatives can go to the sealed chamber. He also alleged bias in the process and said that a representative of his party has been arrested and unilateral action is being taken.
Ahead of the counting of votes, the controversy deepened when Trinamool Congress released a video alleging serious lapses in the management of election material. The party claims that in the video, ballot boxes are being opened in the absence of authorized representatives, which is a violation of rules. TMC has also alleged collusion between BJP and the Election Commission in this matter.
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