Bengal CEO says repoll likely if EVM tampering is confirmed

West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal said repolling may be ordered in booths where EVM tampering is confirmed. The remarks came after BJP alleged that party symbols on EVMs were covered with tape or ink during the second and final phase of polling

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal on Wednesday said repolling is likely to be announced in booths where EVMs are found to have been tampered with.

The CEO said that a repoll would be ordered only after the authorities receive reports from the district election officer or election observers on allegations of tampering with EVMs using tapes or blots of ink.

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Agarwal’s comments came following allegations by the BJP that the party’s symbols on EVMs were covered with tapes or ink in certain booths during the second and final phase of polling, which is underway.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared a video on X, claiming that white tape had been placed on the party’s symbol in booth numbers 144 and 189 in the Falta Assembly seat, and demanded a repoll.

The Commission has not yet confirmed the authenticity of the video shared by the BJP leader, but said reports from the ground are being examined.

“We will review the complaints regarding the fixing of black or white tapes on EVMs and then consider whether repolling is required or not,” Agarwal told reporters.

He indicated that the Commission could expand the scope of action if the issue is found to be widespread.

“If a large number of booths in any Assembly constituency report such instances of tape being affixed, then repolling may be conducted across the entire constituency,” the official added.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,196 complaints of various types were received by the EC.