Mamata Banerjee raises EVM concerns, vows ‘life and death fight’ ahead of counting of votes
New Delhi: With just days left to count for West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Kolkata’s Babanipur Vault on Thursday evening, raising concerns over alleged tampering of electronic voting machines (EVMs).Banerjee, who is contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, claimed that her party had received reports of “rigging” in several districts in the state. “There’s a strong EVM space here. We’re seeing manipulation in a lot of places… When I saw CCTV on TV I thought I’d check it out too,” she said.She also alleged that she was obstructed by central forces during her visit. “Initially, the Central Forces refused to let me in. But according to our election rules, candidates and election agents of any political party can enter the sealed room,” she added.
“Will fight to the death”
Accusing the Election Commission of India of bias, Banerjee said: “Our agents were arrested, it was too one-sided. Even after that, if someone tries to steal the EVM machines, if someone tries to steal the vote count, then we will live and die together.”At the same time, she called on the people to remain calm and to maintain peace during this sensitive period, insisting that “victory is inevitable.”The Trinamool Congress party also sent out a sharp political message, saying “every misdeed” and “high-handedness” by the BJP and the central forces will be responded to through democratic processes.Most exit polls predicted a victory for the BJP, which could end the TMC’s 15-year rule.Chanakya Strategies estimates that the BJP may win 150-160 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the TMC may get 30-40 seats.
record voter turnout
The election witnessed historic participation, with West Bengal recording its highest turnout since independence. According to the Election Commission, the voting rate in the second phase was 91.66%, and the voting rate in the first phase was 93.19%. The total voting rate was 92.47%.Female voters had the highest participation rate at 92.28%, slightly higher than male voters at 91.07%, reflecting broad participation despite political tensions during the polls, including disputes over security deployments.Counting is scheduled for May 4, with both camps preparing for the closely watched results.
