Ruckus at Bhawanipur counting centre, TMC raises questions about EVM security

West Bengal: A tense situation prevailed at the counting center in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Bhawanipur constituency in Kolkata, a day before the vote count. TMC workers alleged that two cars bearing BJP flags were allowed to enter the premises where EVM machines were kept.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday night, outside the counting center located at the Sakhawat Memorial Girls School. TMC workers described it as a serious security lapse and questioned the transparency of the electoral process.

Minor tension was seen at the scene following the incident, though security forces brought the situation under control. The administration has yet to issue a detailed official response.

The incident occurred in front of the same counting center where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously staged a sit-in protest for nearly four hours. During the protest, she alleged that people attempted to enter the strong room without permission and questioned the security arrangements.

TMC leaders say that such repeated incidents raise doubts about the fairness of the electoral process. They have demanded that EVM security systems be further strengthened and the entire matter be investigated.

On the other hand, the BJP has not yet issued a detailed statement on these allegations. However, in the political climate, accusations and counter-accusations between the two parties have intensified regarding this incident.

Questions are also being raised about the role of the Election Commission and the local administration, as such incidents just before the counting of votes highlight the sensitivity of the security arrangements.

In view of the situation, security has been increased at the counting center and surrounding areas, and additional police forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

This entire matter has now become a topic of political discussion, and the debate regarding the transparency of the voting process has intensified.