Security Tightened, Gatherings Banned
In the wake of contentious incidents at vote counting locations, a decisive move has been made to prohibit all public assemblies and political rallies
across West Bengal. This measure is a direct consequence of alleged instances of violence and concerns about the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in various districts. The Election Commission has also mandated the fortification of all facilities housing EVMs throughout the state, emphasizing a commitment to a fair and transparent tally scheduled for July 11. The preceding panchayat elections on July 8 were unfortunately marred by significant violence, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. Accusations of electoral malpractices, including rigging and EVM tampering, have been leveled by opposition parties like the BJP and Congress against the ruling TMC, while the TMC points fingers at the opposition for the unrest.
Kolkata's Restricted Zones
Following a period of intense political tension and accusations of tampering in Kolkata, specifically on Thursday, the police have enacted a ban on all types of gatherings in seven key areas designated for vote counting. These prohibitory orders are now in effect across Sahid Kshudiram Bose Road, Judge's Court Road, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour Road, Lord Sinha Hall, Naresh Mitra Sarani (Beltala Road), and Pramathesh Barua Sarani. This action was prompted by significant drama that unfolded at two counting centers, where the Trinamool Congress voiced allegations of irregular activities. The strongrooms containing the EVMs, along with the centers designated for the upcoming May 4 vote count, have undergone thorough fortification by officials to ensure the security of the ballots and machines.
Enhanced Force Deployment
A senior police official confirmed that a robust security strategy has been implemented at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, which serves as the primary counting site for multiple assembly constituencies in north and east Kolkata and also houses the crucial EVM strongrooms. This enhanced security posture includes the deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and armed police units, all operating under the direct supervision of an additional commissioner and a deputy commissioner of police. This significant presence of security personnel aims to deter any potential disruptions and ensure the integrity of the counting process. The scene at the Kendra was further charged by clashes between BJP and TMC workers outside its gates on Thursday night, with leaders from both parties involved in vocal protests, leading to brief confrontations.
CEO Addresses Allegations
Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, has officially refuted the Trinamool Congress's claims of "suspicious activities" observed within the EVM strongrooms in Kolkata. Agarwal clarified that the strongrooms at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra store EVMs from seven north Kolkata assembly constituencies and were properly sealed in the presence of candidates, their agents, and observers. He explained that the perceived "suspicious activities" by TMC leaders were, in fact, the sorting of postal ballots by polling officials, conducted in torchlight due to a prohibition on electricity connections within strongrooms. This process was communicated to political parties via email, and representatives from both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP were given full access and visibility to the arrangements, ensuring transparency.
