Kolkata: A political controversy has erupted during the ongoing assembly elections in West Bengal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Trinamool Congress of election malpractice in the Diamond Harbour region.
The BJP has alleged that in several polling booths in Falta, the voting option for its party was obstructed, claiming that buttons on electronic voting machines were taped, preventing voters from casting their votes freely. The party has termed this alleged practice as the “Diamond Harbour Model,” referring to the constituency represented by Abhishek Banerjee.
Amit Malviya, the BJP’s media in-charge, has called for repolling in all affected booths, stating that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and restrict voter choice.
The allegations have been strongly denied by the Trinamool Congress. Party representatives dismissed the claims and instead raised concerns over the functioning of election authorities and security observers. They argued that any issues related to voting machines fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India and related officials.
In response to the controversy, state election authorities said that complaints are being addressed promptly. Manoj Agarwal, the state’s election chief, stated that necessary action is being taken wherever irregularities are reported.
The exchange of allegations comes at a crucial stage of the elections, adding to the already intense political atmosphere in the state. While the BJP continues to press for immediate intervention and repolling, the Trinamool Congress maintains that the accusations are unfounded and politically motivated.
