Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari has expressed concern over the deployment of contractual and casual staff for counting duties in two constituencies, calling it a threat to the integrity of the democratic process.Adhikari, who is also the BJP candidate from Bhawanipur, described the move as “a matter of grave concern and a direct attack on the sanctity of the democratic process”.“Is the fate of democracy being handed over to contract workers?”. The officer wrote.Referring to the counting orders issued for 227-Pingla AC and 230-Daspur AC, he questioned the involvement of non-permanent staff in handling sensitive election materials.“How can Jibika Sebaks, ‘assistants’ and ‘contract DEOs’ be entrusted with the sensitive task of handling EVMs, VVPATs and postal ballots?” The official said through a post onHe also called for immediate intervention Election Commission of India And the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has to ensure that only permanent government employees are deployed for counting duties. “This looks like a desperate attempt by the ruling government to manipulate the final mandate through weak personnel,” the official alleged, urging a comprehensive audit of the counting staff in Paschim Medinipur district.“The Election Commission of India must take action to stop the contractualisation of democracy.” We will not allow those whose jobs depend on the whims of the ruling party to tamper with the mandate.This comment of BJP leader has come amid allegations EVM tampering with claims that the party’s symbol, a lotus, was “covered with tape” at some polling stations in Falta constituency of South 24 Parganas district.Re-polling is underway at 15 polling stations in South 24 Parganas district, including 11 in Magrahat West and four in Diamond Harbor constituencies.In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, the Election Commission of India said the repoll was ordered based on inputs from the state election machinery, with polling scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm on the day.