A controversy over allegedly “unsecured” Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Jamuria has cast a shadow over the first phase of polling in West Bengal, even as authorities rolled out unprecedented security measures across the state.

Voting is underway in 152 Assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts, with more than 3.5 crore voters expected to exercise their franchise.

The Election Commission of India has deployed massive security arrangements, including 2,407 companies of central forces, to ensure peaceful polling.

The row began after opposition parties alleged that several reserve EVMs were found inside a vehicle parked by the roadside in Jamuria.

The vehicle reportedly carried a sign reading “On Election Duty – Jamuria AC 279”, raising concerns over the safety of voting equipment.

Opposition leaders claimed that the machines were left unattended without any security personnel present at the spot.

However, election officials have dismissed the allegations. A sector officer said four sets of EVMs were inside the vehicle and that all procedures were being followed as per the Commission’s guidelines.

The officer maintained that a sector police team was present and the machines were not left unsecured.

The Election Commission has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, security forces have tightened vigil across polling areas. Central forces are conducting route marches and naka checks, and removing political party flags found within 200 metres of polling booths.

Areas within 100 metres of polling stations have been clearly demarcated, with central forces taking charge of booth security while local police manage voter queues.

Authorities said such extensive deployment and surveillance measures are aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, with bulletproof vehicles and large-scale patrols already in place across districts in the run-up to polling.

Despite the Jamuria controversy, voting continues under heavy security, with officials asserting that all protocols are being strictly followed.