Bengal Voting Row: Tape Found on BJP Button in EVM, TMC Faces Rigging Allegations

Kolkata: A serious case of EVM tampering has come to light in the Falta area of Diamond Harbor during the second phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The BJP accused the Trinamool Congress of rigging, claiming that at many booths, tape was pasted on the buttons of the BJP candidate so that voters could not vote for the BJP.

Where did EVMs get tampered with?

There was an allegation of pasting cardboard on BJP's button number 3 at booth number 177 of Devpur Gram Panchayat of Falta Assembly. The same complaint was lodged in many booths of Mallikpur area also. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya shared several videos on social media, in which the button in front of the BJP symbol was seen pressed. He claimed that voting was affected at Booth-189 of Harindanga High School in Falta.  

Where else were questions raised?

A complaint was also received about a fake dummy EVM being kept outside booth number 82-83 in Mayapalli i.e. Noapara assembly constituency. BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh alleged that voters were told which button to press. BJP candidate from Panihati and mother of RG Kar rape victim also said after casting her vote that there is some problem with the EVM button, it is taking time to press it.  

Had the Election Commission already warned?

Even before the elections, the Election Commission had given strict instructions to all the presiding officers that covering the buttons of any candidate with tape, glue or any adhesive material is completely prohibited. If such a case comes to light, re-polling can also be ordered at the concerned booth.  

An atmosphere of violence was also created in Bengal?

BJP booth agent in Nadia district was attacked with gun butt, stick and rod before voting, leaving him with serious head injuries. Vikas Sardar, BJP candidate from Basanti assembly constituency, accused himself of attack. On the other hand, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the central forces of intimidating voters and forcibly entering the houses of TMC workers.

What is the condition of voting?

In the first four hours i.e. till 1 pm, more than 61 percent voting had taken place on 142 seats. If seen district wise, maximum votes were cast in Purba Bardhaman at 44.50 percent and lowest in Kolkata South at 36.78 percent. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.