Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday raised concerns over alleged Election Commission (EC) bias and potential EVM tampering, drawing parallels to the 2021 Nandigram incident where a power outage occurred during vote counting. Addressing rallies in Bhowanipore, where she is contesting, Banerjee questioned the frequent power cuts reported from EVM strongrooms after the first phase of assembly elections.
Allegations of Malicious Intent
"Look at EC! It is your job to ensure EVMs are not captured. Why is there so much load-shedding? This is clearly an indication of malicious intent. I urge you not to fall into their trap," the CM said. She led a march through Bhowanipore, greeting voters and urging them to remain cautious.
Nandigram Incident Recalled
Banerjee claimed she was leading by 4,000 votes in Nandigram before power went off at the counting centre. The trend reversed after power resumed, and she eventually lost the East Midnapore seat to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari by less than 2,000 votes. The matter is sub judice in Calcutta High Court.
Voter Guidance and EVM Checks
Urging voters to be vigilant, Banerjee said, "Everyone must cast their vote. They will try to tamper with EVMs. If a machine malfunctions, come back to vote again. Do not vote in a machine that has previously malfunctioned. Every EVM must be thoroughly checked." She warned that central forces, influenced by EC, might attempt to capture EVMs and called on women to protect the machines from polling day until counting ends.
Allegations Against EC and Police
Banerjee slammed EC for alleged bias, claiming police officers with close ties to BJP have been selectively chosen. Without naming anyone, she said an officer in south Kolkata who regularly posts in support of BJP has been brought in as OC. She alleged that officers "brought in by BJP" are committing atrocities and accused EC of ignoring cash influx in Bhowanipore.
Cash Distribution Allegations
"I have heard that they (BJP) will distribute cash in the slums... There are some people in your community as well who are ready to be bought. They might give you Rs 5,000 for your vote, but after that, you will be abused and insulted every day," she said.
Response to Rahul Gandhi's 'Tacit Understanding' Remark
Without naming Rahul Gandhi, Banerjee hit back at his comment about a "tacit understanding" with BJP. "Some people say I have a tacit understanding with BJP. I would like to remind them that they refused to join hands and submit a memorandum to EC when people were being harassed during the SIR. I fought for the people. I went to Delhi, EC and Supreme Court. Due to my efforts, the names of 32 lakh voters have been retained on the roll," she said. She added that all legitimate voters will be re-enrolled but expressed sadness that many did not get justice.
Attack on Amit Shah
Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Banerjee said, "The HM uses foul language. He is scared. He thinks he will win by spreading fear. Do remember we know how to fight back if you try to stoke fear."
VVPAT and Democracy
Banerjee claimed she received a video showing votes for one party being registered in the name of another. She advised voters: "If they tell you to leave, don't go. Stand your ground and say, 'Wait, I will see if my vote is going to the right place'. Say, 'I want to see the VVPAT'. There is time allotted for this. By defeating them, you must take revenge for democracy. Overturn BJP's ballot box."
