In a shocking turn of events during the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, a mob reportedly threw Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail machines into a pond in Kultai. The Chief Electoral Office has stated that an FIR has been lodged and necessary action has been initiated, with fresh EVMs being provided. PTI has shared visuals of the EVMs floating in water, causing chaos and concern during the fiercely contested elections.
Violence Mars Bengal Elections: EVMs Thrown into Pond Amidst Poll Storm
In a recent shocking incident during the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, a mob reportedly hurled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines into a pond in Kultai.
Background:
The incident occurred on May 19th, the last day of the polling phase in West Bengal. It was the eighth phase of the nationwide elections, which have been marred by violence in several states. The Kultai constituency, in South 24 Parganas district, is considered a stronghold of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The Incident:
According to reports, a mob of around 200 people attacked a polling booth and vandalized EVMs and VVPATs. The machines were then thrown into a nearby pond, leading to chaos and disruption in the electoral process.
Official Response:
The Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal has condemned the incident and stated that an FIR has been registered against the perpetrators. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the state authorities to initiate necessary action. Fresh EVMs have been provided for the affected polling station.
Concerns Raised:
The incident has raised concerns over the security and credibility of the electoral process. The widespread accessibility and ease of tampering with EVMs have been subjects of debate in recent years. The opposition parties have alleged that EVMs are vulnerable to manipulation and that the ruling party is using them to suppress the will of the people.
Top 5 FAQs on EVM and Voting-Related Violence:
1. What are Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)?
EVMs are electronic devices used to cast and count votes in polling stations. They replaced paper ballots in India in 2000.
2. What is Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)?
VVPAT is a part of the EVM system that generates a paper trail of the votes cast. It allows voters to verify that their vote has been accurately recorded.
3. What are the allegations against EVMs?
Critics allege that EVMs are not tamper-proof and can be manipulated to alter the outcome of elections. However, the EC has maintained that EVMs are secure and reliable.
4. Has EVM-related violence occurred in the past?
Yes, there have been incidents of violence during elections related to EVMs. In 2019, a crowd in West Bengal attacked a polling team over suspicions of EVM tampering.
5. What measures are being taken to prevent EVM-related issues?
The EC implements several measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, including random checks on EVMs, audits, and fair trial procedures for complaints.
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