BJP and CPI(M) Raise Alarm Over Possible Rigging in West Bengal Vote Counting

Representatives of BJP and CPI(M) in West Bengal met the Chief Electoral Officer to express concerns over possible manipulation in the vote counting process. They highlighted the use of 'casual staff' against norms and demanded measures to prevent rigging. Allegations include post-election violence and violations by the Trinamool Congress government.

In a crucial move ahead of the Lok Sabha election results, BJP and CPI(M) representatives met West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer on Monday, voicing serious concerns over potential vote count manipulation by the state government. They urged the CEO to enforce strict measures to ensure a fair and transparent counting process.

BJP leader Shishir Bajoria raised alarms about post-election violence and claimed that the Trinamool Congress administration violated rules by engaging non-permanent staff in the counting process. Bajoria presented evidence from Malda station, indicating large-scale hiring of casual employees, against election guidelines.

CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim, accompanied by party candidates, demanded a fair counting process on June 4, recalling rigging incidents from past panchayat elections. He called for stringent checks on the identification of counting staff to block any unauthorized personnel from entering the counting halls.