Mamata Banerjee at Bhabanipur EVM strong room, alleges tampering of vote machines; EC responds
Mamata Banerjee Accuses EVM Tampering, EC Responds
Kolkata, West Bengal - In a dramatic turn of events, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Bhabanipur EVM strong room on Tuesday, alleging tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs). The strong room, located in the heart of Kolkata, is a secure facility where EVMs are stored after the conclusion of polls.
Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from the Kolkata Port segment, arrived at the strong room accompanied by her election agent. However, Kolkata Mayor and TMC candidate Firhad Hakim, who also reached the spot, was unable to meet the Chief Minister as she had already moved inside the strong room.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission of India (EC) was not taking adequate measures to ensure the security of EVMs. "I have been saying this for a long time, but the EC is not taking any action," she said. "The EVMs are not secure, and the counting process is not transparent."
The Chief Minister's allegations come at a time when the EC is gearing up for the counting of votes on May 2. The TMC is locked in a fierce battle with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left Front in the West Bengal assembly elections.
The EC has responded to Banerjee's allegations, stating that the EVMs are secure and tamper-proof. "The EVMs are designed to prevent any kind of tampering," said a spokesperson for the EC. "We have taken all necessary measures to ensure the security of the EVMs, and the counting process will be transparent and fair."
The EC has also assured that the counting process will be conducted in the presence of representatives from all political parties. The results of the West Bengal assembly elections are expected to be declared on May 2.
Banerjee's visit to the EVM strong room has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the Chief Minister's motives. While some have expressed support for her allegations, others have accused her of trying to create a controversy.
The outcome of the West Bengal assembly elections remains uncertain, with all eyes on the counting process on May 2. As the state waits with bated breath for the results, the EC has assured that the counting process will be fair and transparent.
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* EC Assures Transparent Counting Process for West Bengal Assembly Elections
* Mamata Banerjee's TMC Faces Tough Contest in Kolkata Port Segment