State Election Commissioner To Probe Vote Tampering, Contemplate Re-polling In Bengal

With allegations of violence and incidents reported in multiple districts, the decisiaon on re-polling, to be made after a thorough review, holds significant implications for the electoral process and its outcomes.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 8 July 2023 2:50 pm

West Bengal Elections 2021: Six rounds of the eight-phased assembly elections in the state have already taken place, with the last phase scheduled for Thursday.

The Bengal State Election Commissioner (SEC), Rajiva Sinha, has pledged to address concerns regarding vote tampering and make a decision on possible re-polling following the submission of reports from observers and returning officers. Sinha acknowledged that the majority of complaints, particularly related to incidents of violence, originated from four districts and assured that they would all be taken into account during the review process.

Despite facing criticism from various political parties, Sinha stated that a verdict on re-polling would be reached on Sunday, as observers and returning officers examine and scrutinize the polling process. Sinha highlighted the receipt of numerous reports of violence and clashes, emphasizing that he had received direct calls and notifications through the control room regarding these incidents. The districts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad were reported to have witnessed the highest number of such incidents.

Barasat alone generated 1,300 complaints, including instances of miscreants absconding with ballot boxes. Sinha explained that a comprehensive scrutiny would take place on the following day to determine the need for re-polling. Observers and returning officers would meticulously assess the polling process to identify areas requiring re-polling due to violence or disruptions, as reported by PTI.

When asked about the peacefulness of Saturday's polling, Sinha refrained from commenting until a comprehensive report was obtained, asserting that law and order fell under the jurisdiction of the state police. The SEC promptly informed district magistrates, police superintendents, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPs) whenever they received information regarding untoward incidents during Saturday's polling.

Regarding the number of deaths, Sinha officially confirmed three fatalities during the polling process. However, according to police officials, a total of 12 individuals lost their lives in various incidents of violence throughout West Bengal, including eight from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), and one worker each from the BJP, CPI(M), Congress, and Indian Secular Front (ISF).

In a separate incident, an individual identified as Manish Prasad, believed to be a BJP worker, was arrested after entering the SEC office and expressing a desire to throw black ink on Sinha, citing alleged failures in controlling violence during Saturday's polling.

The polling commenced at 7 am in 73,887 seats within rural areas of the state, with approximately 5.67 crore people casting their votes to determine the fate of around 2.06 lakh candidates. By 5 pm, officials reported a 66.28 percent voter turnout.