Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Clashes broke out between supporters of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in South 24 Parganas during repolling in West Bengal on Saturday, with allegations emerging that some voters were being prevented from casting their ballots. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to bring the situation under control and ensure voting continued.The repoll is being held in 15 polling stations across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour constituencies after the Election Commission of India declared the April 29 voting in these booths void following reports of irregularities. Fresh polling is being conducted from 7 am to 6 pm under heightened security arrangements.According to officials, 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour are undergoing repolling based on reports submitted by returning officers and election observers. The decision was taken under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.The repoll follows allegations of EVM tampering and voter obstruction in parts of Diamond Harbour’s Falta segment. BJP leaders claimed that voters were unable to select their party due to interference with the machines.In a post on X, BJP leader Amit Malviya said, “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. 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.“Earlier, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had said complaints regarding such incidents would be examined. “If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll,” he said.Authorities said extensive security arrangements have been put in place to prevent further disturbances, with central forces deployed at sensitive polling stations. The final phase of polling in the state concluded on April 29 with turnout nearing 90 percent.Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, with security tightened at strong rooms in Howrah and other districts.
