Election Commission confirms complaints under review after videos show white tape covering BJP button in Falta booths 2,196 poll violations reported on Phase 2 day
West Bengal’s Phase 2 polling was jolted Wednesday when the BJP alleged deliberate tampering of Electronic Voting Machines in Falta, under Diamond Harbour constituency, claiming white tape had been placed over its party symbol at booths 144 and 189, effectively blinding voters to the option.
BJP’s IT Cell head Amit Malviya posted video evidence on X, demanding immediate repolling. The Election Commission has not verified the footage but confirmed the complaints are under active examination.
West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal said repolling would be ordered wherever tampering is substantiated by district officers and election observers. He added that if violations are found across a significant number of booths within one constituency, the Commission may extend repolling to the entire seat.
Presiding officers across all polling stations were directed mid-day to physically verify that every candidate button on EVMs remains fully visible free of tape, adhesive, ink, perfume, or chemical obstruction.
Wednesday’s developments are part of a broader pattern: the Commission has already logged 2,196 complaints of varying nature during Phase 2 alone.
In Bengal’s razor-thin contests, a taped button is not a technicality. It is a stolen choice.
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