West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal emphasized a strict “zero tolerance” approach towards any voting irregularities, including EVM tampering, stating that repolling would be conducted as needed. Agarwal, speaking in Kolkata during the ongoing voting, highlighted the active monitoring of Election Commission activities through various channels like webcasting, field reports, and observer feedback. He reiterated the Commission’s stance on addressing EVM tampering, affirming that repolls would be held wherever such incidents are confirmed.
Addressing a disturbance incident during the day, Agarwal assured that security forces swiftly managed the situation at the affected location. He expressed disapproval of such incidents on polling day, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and decorum during elections. Agarwal also clarified the protocols in place to safeguard voter secrecy, mentioning the use of CCTV cameras at polling stations for monitoring without compromising ballot confidentiality.
Agarwal underscored the protection of voter identities and choices under the law, emphasizing the secrecy of votes and the legal consequences for any violations. As voting proceeded across 142 constituencies in the state during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, stringent security measures were enforced to ensure a smooth, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
