The Election Commission of India has found prima facie evidence of tampering involving electronic voting machines in parts of West Bengal. The issue relates to the alleged taping of buttons on EVMs at some polling booths in Falta during the second phase of Assembly elections. Sources said the Commission has taken note of the matter and has asked the concerned presiding officer to submit a detailed report.

According to officials, the problem was identified at a few polling stations and was addressed quickly. The situation was brought under control, and polling resumed without further delay. Authorities confirmed that voting is currently continuing in a smooth manner after the initial concerns were resolved at the affected booths.

The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal stated that any such complaints must be verified properly. “If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll," West Bengal CEO said. This statement makes it clear that action will depend on confirmation of the allegations through official reports.

The controversy began earlier in the day when Amit Malviya, BJP’s co-incharge for West Bengal, raised concerns over the voting process in Falta, which falls under the Diamond Harbour constituency. He alleged that voters were unable to select the BJP candidate at several polling booths. According to him, the party’s option on the EVMs was blocked using tape, which prevented voters from exercising their choice.

Malviya described the situation as a deliberate attempt to influence voting. He referred to it as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and demanded that a repoll be conducted in all affected booths. His claims brought immediate attention to the issue and led to calls for strict action.

In a post on X, Malviya wrote, “This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour. In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model,’ the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat."

The allegations added a political dimension to the issue, with BJP leaders demanding immediate intervention by the Election Commission. They claimed that the alleged tampering affected multiple booths in Falta and insisted that voters were not able to choose their preferred candidate freely.

Following these complaints, the Chief Electoral Officer reiterated that any booth where such irregularities are confirmed would undergo repolling. This assurance came as a response to the BJP’s demand and aims to ensure fairness in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, voting across the state continued as part of the second phase of the Assembly elections. Polling is being held for 142 seats, and officials reported that voter turnout had reached over 85 per cent by 5pm. Despite the earlier disruption in Falta, authorities stated that corrective measures were taken quickly and that no further issues were reported from the affected locations.

Officials maintained that the overall polling process remains on track. The Election Commission is closely monitoring the situation and will take a final decision on whether repolling is required after examining the detailed reports from ground officials. The outcome will depend on the findings related to the alleged EVM tampering.

The development has once again brought attention to the importance of maintaining transparency and trust in the electoral process. While the issue appears to have been contained for now, the final decision by the Election Commission will be crucial in addressing the concerns raised by political parties and ensuring a fair voting process.