West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Wednesday reaffirmed a strict “zero tolerance” policy against any irregularities during polling, including allegations of EVM tampering. He said repolling would be conducted wherever credible evidence is found, with the Election Commission actively monitoring developments through webcasting, field reports, and observer inputs. Agarwal stressed that the Commission had made its position clear in advance, ensuring that any tampering would be met with immediate corrective action.
The CEO also addressed concerns over disturbances during voting, confirming that one incident was promptly handled by security forces. Quick response teams, Kolkata Police, and central forces were deployed to restore order, with Agarwal describing such incidents as undesirable on polling day. He underscored the importance of maintaining decorum and ensuring that crowds do not disrupt the democratic process.
On voter secrecy, Agarwal clarified that strict safeguards are in place to protect ballot confidentiality. CCTV cameras at polling stations only monitor entry and exit from enclosures, without recording voter choices. He emphasised that the identity of voters and their ballots remain fully protected under law, warning that violations could lead to imprisonment. Voting across 142 constituencies in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is being conducted under tight security, with authorities keeping a close watch on sensitive areas to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling.