Diamond Harbour, 29 April (H.S.): Tensions resurfaced in Diamond Harbour’s Falta area on polling day, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

According to the BJP, several booths in Falta had EVM buttons covered with “tape.” The party shared a photograph—though its authenticity has not been independently verified—showing tape placed over specific buttons. BJP claimed that the taped buttons corresponded to their candidate (third button) and the CPI(M) candidate (fourth button), allegedly preventing voters from casting votes in their favor.

Based on these claims, the BJP demanded a re-poll in the affected booths and directed its allegations at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The issue also prompted a phone conversation between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari.

The TMC candidate from Falta is Jahangir Khan. Without naming him directly, BJP leaders alleged that attempts at “vote rigging” were being made in multiple booths under his watch. The party referred to the situation as the “Diamond Harbour model,” further alleging that similar tactics had been used by Abhishek Banerjee in previous elections.

The Election Commission of India has sought a report on the matter.

The controversy follows heightened tensions in Falta since Sunday night, when police, central forces, and election observer Ajay Pal Sharma visited several residences. A video that surfaced later showed Sharma issuing stern warnings to locals, reportedly near the residence of the TMC candidate.

TMC leaders have since questioned Sharma’s authority and conduct. On Tuesday, Sharma and Jahangir Khan came face-to-face when Sharma’s convoy passed by a TMC office, triggering protests led by Khan. Demonstrators raised slogans such as “Jai Bangla” and “Go Back.”

Despite the protests, Ajay Pal Sharma continued his inspection of the area with central forces throughout the day. On polling day, he resumed field visits early in the morning, monitoring the situation closely.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey