Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress, expressed concerns about potential electoral manipulation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally in Farakka, Bengal. She highlighted the alarming disappearance of several Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), raising suspicions of foul play in the electoral process. Mamata lambasted the Election Commission on Wednesday for what she deemed as a delay in releasing the final voter turnout figures for the initial two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. She expressed particular concern over the sudden surge in polling percentages during those phases.
EC releases figures
The Election Commission made public the voter turnout data of the first two phases of polling, held on April 19 and April 26, on Tuesday evening. According to the EC, a voter turnout of 66.14 per cent was recorded in the first phase and 66.71 per cent in the second phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
Mamata’s critique
Addressing a rally at Farakka in Murshidabad district, Mamata Banerjee raised questions about the sudden increase in the final voter turnout figures, stating that the nearly 5.75 per cent rise from the earlier data released by the Election Commission is worrying. She expressed apprehensions about potential manipulation of results by the BJP, citing the prolonged absence of several EVMs.
Concerns about credibility
Banerjee further emphasised that the abrupt rise in the poll percentage is not just disturbing but also raises serious doubts about the credibility of EVMs. She urged the Election Commission to disclose details of EVM makers, alleging that the BJP might resort to any means to secure victory in elections.
Remaining phases and counting
The general elections are being conducted in seven phases, with the remaining phases scheduled for May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting is slated for June 4.
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