TMC MP Saugata Roy Addresses Repolling Concerns Amid Supreme Court Hearing

TMC MP Saugata Roy downplayed repolling concerns in West Bengal, stating it is routine. The Supreme Court declined new directions on deploying counting supervisors. AITC's plea challenged Calcutta HC's order about using Central and PSU staff. Allegations of post-poll violence were also addressed, mentioning unrest from various parties.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy described repolling as a standard electoral practice, responding to concerns in select booths of West Bengal. His remarks followed the Supreme Court's refusal to issue new directives in response to the plea concerning counting supervisors.

The plea, filed by the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), contested a Calcutta High Court order that stipulated only Central government and PSU employees should be used as counting supervisors. During the hearing, a special bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi took note of the Election Commission of India's commitment to enforce its April 13 circular, allowing state employees alongside Central and PSU staff in the counting process.

The controversy arose from a directive by West Bengal's Additional Chief Electoral Officer, necessitating the presence of one Central or PSU official at each counting table. AITC argued this might foster bias due to central administrative control. Meanwhile, Roy responded to post-poll violence allegations, asserting unrest was not limited to one faction, implicating BJP as well.