‘All TMC officials’: BJP alleges irregularities after phone found in envelope near Asansol College strong room; Anarchy spreads. india news
New Delhi: While West Bengal awaits the results to be declared tomorrow, there was panic after a mobile phone sealed in an envelope was found near the strong room campus of Asansol Engineering College.Along with mobile phones, several documents related to Raniganj assembly constituency were also recovered, which raised suspicion and led to a brief ruckus at the site. A BJP leader alleged that officials were working in favor of TMC and raised concerns over possible irregularities.Claiming that a person attempted to enter the premises with a phone, the BJP leader said, “Someone was attempting to enter here with a mobile phone. Our people caught him. Mobile phones are prohibited. I don’t know what the police is doing. A mobile phone was being taken inside so we stopped it and that is why we are standing here. We will not allow any unethical work to happen here. All the officials are from TMC.”The incident comes amid heavy security deployment outside strong rooms across the state to prevent clashes and ensure the safety of EVMs ahead of the counting day.West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Aggarwal said all arrangements have been made as per the Election Commission guidelines, with a three-tier security system involving central forces, local police and state police. He also warned that strict action would be taken against any negligence.The development comes in the backdrop of a tense election cycle in the state, which has been marred by allegations of violence, voter intimidation and irregularities during voting. Incidents of clashes and vandalism were reported from many areas including Chhapra, Shantipur, Neemtala and Bhangar.In a significant move, the Election Commission ordered fresh polling in the entire Falta assembly constituency citing ‘serious electoral crimes’ and subversion of the democratic process during the April 29 polling phase. Re-polling was also conducted at select booths in South 24 Parganas amid tight security, with officials aiming to restore confidence in the electoral process.The West Bengal Assembly elections were held in two phases on 23 April and 29 April. The results of the high-stakes election will be declared on May 4.
