West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has firmly dismissed allegations of EVM tampering raised by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), asserting that no CCTV cameras were switched off and all strong rooms remain under constant surveillance. The clarification comes amid TMC's protests over alleged irregularities in the storage of electronic voting machines.
CEO Clarifies Authorized Access
The CEO explained that the movement observed in the strong room area was due to authorized access to the postal ballot room, not any tampering with EVMs. He assured that the counting process will be '100 percent neat and clean,' emphasizing the transparency of the electoral process.
TMC's Allegations and Protest
TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had staged protests outside the EVM strong room in Kolkata, sharing CCTV footage that they claimed showed irregularities. Banerjee warned of a 'life and death' fight, alleging obstruction and manipulation. However, the CEO's statement directly counters these claims, reinforcing that all protocols were followed.
Political Reactions and Exit Polls
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of exit polls predicting a BJP sweep in West Bengal, with Today's Chanakya exit poll projecting BJP winning 192 seats. The TMC has questioned the credibility of these polls, urging cadre to guard EVMs ahead of counting. Meanwhile, Axis My India skipped Bengal exit polls after 70 percent of voters refused to respond, adding to the political tension.
Legal and Procedural Safeguards
The CEO's assurance highlights the robust security measures in place, including round-the-clock CCTV monitoring and authorized access logs. The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to fair elections, with counting scheduled to proceed under strict supervision.
