West Bengal, Apr 06 : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday intensified her attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India, expressing serious concerns over the integrity of electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing a public rally in Samserganj, located in Murshidabad district, Banerjee warned that attempts could be made to tamper with voting systems and disqualify Trinamool Congress candidates on technical grounds. She called on voters to remain alert and demand transparency throughout the polling process.
“The machines must be thoroughly verified. Voters should insist on VVPAT slips while casting ballots. In case of any malfunction, do not allow repairs ask for immediate replacement,” she told the gathering.
The state is scheduled to go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting slated for May 4. Highlighting the gap between polling and counting, Banerjee urged citizens to maintain strict vigilance over EVM security, including those guarded by central forces.
Responding sharply, BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar dismissed the allegations, claiming the chief minister was preparing excuses in anticipation of electoral defeat.
Banerjee also criticised the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that voter names were being removed unfairly. She encouraged affected individuals to challenge such deletions through legal channels and participate actively in the democratic process.
Further cautioning her party candidates, she advised them to be meticulous while filing nomination papers and to seek legal assistance to avoid rejection on technical grounds. She alleged that officials had been strategically positioned to hinder TMC nominations.
In another charge, the TMC leader accused the BJP of attempting to influence the electoral outcome by mobilising supporters from outside the state.
Meanwhile, political rivalry intensified in Berhampore, where Banerjee led a roadshow. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, contesting from the seat after decades, claimed he would firmly counter the ruling party’s campaign efforts.
The developments underline escalating tensions in the run-up to the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections, with sharp exchanges and allegations dominating the political landscape.