Controversy Brews Over Contractual Staff in West Bengal Vote Counting

Suvendu Adhikari, Opposition Leader in West Bengal, raises alarm over contractual workers in Pingla and Daspur vote counting, urging Election Commission intervention. He claims the ruling Trinamool Congress aims to manipulate results. A special Supreme Court bench is set to hear related TMC pleas. Vote counting is on May 4.

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, has expressed grave concerns about the deployment of contractual employees in the upcoming vote counting for Pingla and Daspur constituencies. Accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of attempting to influence the election outcome, Adhikari has urged the Election Commission to intervene and ensure a fair process.

In a social media post, Adhikari questioned the reliance on 'Jibika Sebaks,' 'Sahayaks,' and 'Contractual DEOs' for crucial counting duties. He argued that these roles are susceptible to political influence and called for permanent government employees to handle tasks like EVM and VVPAT management.

Amidst allegations from both political camps, a special bench of the Supreme Court has been set up to hear pleas against the deployment of contractual staff. The decision to involve central government employees had previously been challenged by TMC. The process of counting votes is set for May 4, promising to be contentious.