Security Measures Tightened
In the wake of a high-stakes assembly election and a surprise visit by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to a vital EVM strongroom, Kolkata Police have enacted
stringent measures. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has been enforced, effectively banning all forms of public gatherings in at least seven crucial locations. These areas, including Shahid Khudiram Bose Road, Judge’s Court Road, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour Road, Lord Sinha Hall, Naresh Mitra Sarani (Beltala Road), and Pramathesh Barua Sarani, are where electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being securely stored in strongrooms. This proactive step by the authorities aims to preempt any potential disruptions or attempts at manipulation as the nation awaits the vote counting, following allegations of irregularities by the Chief Minister and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, who have also voiced concerns about the Election Commission's conduct.
CM's Strongroom Visit
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a lengthy, nearly four-hour visit to the Bhabanipur strongroom in Kolkata, intensifying the political friction surrounding the election process. During her visit, she voiced strong accusations, alleging a conspiracy between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission to tamper with EVMs. Banerjee did not mince words, issuing a stern warning that any perceived irregularities in the voting machines or the counting procedure would be met with a resolute, 'life-and-death' resistance. Her presence at the strongroom was prompted by the circulation of a viral video that purportedly showed unusual activity within the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where EVMs from all seven North Kolkata Assembly seats are currently housed. The BJP, in turn, criticized Banerjee's actions, characterizing her visit as 'theatrics' and suggesting it served as an indirect 'exit poll' for the state's political future.
Election Commission Rebuttal
Amidst the escalating accusations of vote tampering, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has categorically denied all allegations, asserting that all established procedures were meticulously followed and that the strongrooms remain secure. The ECI stated that the strongrooms at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, containing EVMs from seven different North Kolkata Assembly seats, were properly sealed following the conclusion of polling. Crucially, this sealing process was conducted in the presence of candidates, their designated agents, and the General Observer, underscoring transparency. Further reinforcing the commission's stance, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal dismissed the claims made by the TMC. He confirmed that after polling concluded on Wednesday, all strongrooms were officially closed and sealed. The final strongroom was secured at 5:15 am on Thursday, ensuring adherence to protocol. Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, stated that strict surveillance is maintained at the Bhabanipur strongroom and that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself is under observation to prevent any irregular activities.
