Kolkata: The West Bengal Election Commission has vowed to conduct fresh voting in any polling station where evidence of mechanical tampering is discovered, following allegations that specific ballot options were obstructed during the second phase of the state’s Assembly elections.

"If any irregularities or if reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll," the West Bengal Election Commissioner stated on Wednesday.

The assurance follows a public complaint from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya, who alleged that voters in the Falta segment of the Diamond Harbour constituency were unable to select the BJP candidate. Malviya claimed that adhesive tape had been used to cover the party's button on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a tactic he labelled the "Diamond Harbour Model."

Allegations of Voter Suppression

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Malviya accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of utilising criminal elements to influence the democratic process.

"This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour," Malviya wrote. "In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using a tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice. This is the so-called 'Diamond Harbour Model,' the same template that helped Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee secure his Lok Sabha seat."

The BJP has specifically requested immediate repolls for booths, including Part 170 at Harindanga High School and Booth 189, asserting that these locations have been compromised.

Counter-Accusations from the TMC

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting from the Bhabanipur seat, countered with her own allegations against central security forces and election observers. She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of using outside officials to intimidate local voters.

"CRPF... There is a court order, but they are saying they will not obey it," Banerjee told reporters. "We have issued a contempt of court notice, yet so many observers have come from outside. Whatever the BJP says, they are doing. Just look around, all our posters have been removed."

The Chief Minister characterised the presence of newly deployed security personnel as a form of "terrorism" intended to disrupt the polls. "Is this how polls take place? Votes will be cast by voters, not by the police or security forces," she added. "Some new people have recently been brought in, and they are doing whatever they want."

Voter Turnout

Despite the high-profile accusations from both sides, voting continued across the state for the remaining 142 seats. According to official data, West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 18.39% as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities remain on high alert as the verification of the tampering claims begins.

With inputs from ANI