EVM Row: BJP Alleges Misconduct, TMC Cites CCTV Failures Ahead of Counting
Parties raise concerns over strongroom security before vote counting.
Top Summary
- What happened: BJP alleges early strongroom openings; TMC reports CCTV failures at strongrooms.
- Why it matters: Raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process before counting day.
- What changes for people: Heightened security and scrutiny at counting centers, potential for delayed or contested results.
- Who is affected: Voters, political parties, and the Election Commission.
BJP Alleges Premature Strongroom Openings
The BJP has alleged that strongrooms were opened prematurely in at least 10 instances before designated observers arrived. This has intensified political tensions before counting day.
According to Mukhopadhyay, at a Bidhannagar strongroom in Kolkata, the strongroom was already open upon their arrival.
"We have a strongroom here, and we were given a schedule specifying when it would be opened. Accordingly, we all arrived on time. After reaching there, we found that the strongroom was already open. It was not being opened at that moment. We questioned why it was opened so early when the work had not properly begun."
He further stated that the strongroom had been opened at least ten times prior to their arrival. The BJP team received no answers regarding authorization or notification.
The BJP has lodged a formal complaint with the SDO in Bidhannagar seeking clarification.
Officials Suspended Amid Investigation
Reportedly, six officials have been suspended in connection with the alleged breaches. However, there is no detailed official explanation yet on the nature of the violations.
TMC Alleges Surveillance Disruption
The TMC has raised concerns over disruptions in CCTV surveillance at multiple strongroom locations across the state.
The party claims that intermittent camera failures compromised the mandated 24/7 monitoring of strongrooms where EVMs and VVPAT units are stored. The TMC termed this a serious breach of Election Commission guidelines.
The TMC demanded access to uninterrupted footage and system logs in its complaint to the Chief Electoral Officer.
Protests and Rejections of Malpractice
Senior TMC leaders staged protests outside a strongroom facility in Kolkata, alleging irregularities. This prompted a late-night visit by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to a counting centre.
However, election authorities have consistently rejected claims of malpractice. The Chief Electoral Officer has maintained that procedures are being conducted as per established norms and strongrooms remain secure.
Officials have described earlier allegations as misunderstandings or misinterpretations of routine processes.
Increased Security Measures
With voter turnout reaching a record high of over 92 percent across two phases, scrutiny of the handling of EVMs has intensified.
Security has been tightened across counting centers, with police and central forces deployed to maintain strict vigil.
What to Watch Next
The focus now shifts to the Election Commission's response to the allegations from both the BJP and TMC. Any further action taken by the Election Commission will be closely monitored as counting day approaches.