Tensions Rise Over EVM Security in West Bengal's Bhabanipur Constituency

The situation at West Bengal's Bhabanipur constituency remains tense following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to EVM strongrooms. Allegations of malpractice have been dismissed by the Chief Electoral Officer, emphasizing secure measures like CCTV monitoring. Prohibitory orders have been imposed to prevent disturbances during the upcoming vote count on May 4.

In the aftermath of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's extended presence at the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) strongroom in her Bhabanipur constituency, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal categorically denied any possibility of malpractice at the counting centres on Friday. He assured the integrity of the voting process with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance firmly in place.

Amid mounting tensions around Kolkata's counting centres late Thursday, police enforced prohibitory orders against public gatherings at all seven strongrooms in the area. Meanwhile, TMC representatives and candidates continued to monitor the centres under Mamata Banerjee's directive, voicing concerns over unauthorized activities despite SEV's assurance to the contrary.

Political leaders from both TMC and BJP camps made their presence known as supporters clashed outside the precincts, contesting the transparency of vote counting and EVM security. Preventive measures, including additional police deployment and restrictions on public assembly, have been enacted ahead of the scheduled counting on May 4.