Clashes Erupt in Birbhum Over EVM Glitches
During the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, tensions escalated in the Birbhum district as clashes broke out between local residents and security personnel. The confrontation was triggered by reported glitches in electronic voting machines (EVMs), which led to a temporary halt in the voting process.
Voting Halted for 30 Minutes
According to local sources, voting at several booths in Birbhum was suspended for nearly 30 minutes due to complaints of malfunctioning EVMs. This disruption frustrated voters, who alleged that the glitches were affecting the fairness of the election. Protests quickly erupted outside the affected polling stations, with demonstrators demanding immediate resolution and transparency.
Security Personnel Intervene
As the protests intensified, security personnel were deployed to control the situation. The confrontation between locals and authorities resulted in clashes, though no major injuries were reported. Officials later confirmed that the EVM issues were addressed, and voting resumed after technical teams rectified the problems.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the reliability of EVMs in Indian elections. The Election Commission has urged voters to remain calm and assured that all complaints will be investigated. The West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 continue with heightened security measures in place.
