BJP Button Taped! Falta Election EVM Controversy In Diamond Harbour Raises Allegations About Voting Equipment

The Falta election in Diamond Harbour is affected by EVM related allegations that buttons linked to the BJP symbol were taped, potentially blocking votes. The West Bengal Election Commission is investigating, with repoll options possible if verified, while tensions between BJP and TMC supporters continue to shape the campaign.

Allegations of Electronic Voting Machine malfunction in Falta have sharpened political conflict in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda has claimed that buttons linked to the BJP symbol on several EVMs were taped or jammed, allegedly preventing voters from choosing the party during polling.

Panda has accused Trinamool Congress workers of deliberately blocking support for the BJP by targeting specific EVM buttons. According to Panda, multiple booths reported that the key beside the BJP symbol did not work properly, and that this was planned so votes in favour of the BJP could not be registered.

Falta West Bengal Election EVM dispute in Diamond Harbour

BJP leader Amit Malaviya amplified the charges by posting videos on X, where tape appeared near the button for Panda’s name and party symbol. Malaviya wrote, "This is what Mamata Banerjee was defending when she spoke up for Jehangir Khan, a criminal contesting on a TMC ticket from Falta in Diamond Harbour."

Malaviya further alleged systematic obstruction of voters in the constituency. He stated, "In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using tape, effectively preventing voters from exercising their choice." He also described the practice as the "Diamond Harbour model" and claimed this helped Abhishek Banerjee secure victory earlier.

Falta West Bengal Election tensions and Diamond Harbour leadership

Falta is a key Assembly segment under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, which is represented by Abhishek Banerjee. Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, who is known as an aide of Abhishek Banerjee, is contesting from Falta, placing the constituency at the centre of an already high-profile political contest.

Tension in Falta had been building even before the voting day complaints. Police observer Ajay Pal Sharma had earlier confronted Jahangir Khan and warned Khan, along with Khan’s family, not to disturb the polling process. That exchange drew attention and highlighted administrative concerns around the conduct of voting in the area.

Falta West Bengal Election response to EVM claims in Diamond Harbour

The West Bengal Election Commissioner has directed that every complaint about taped EVM buttons must be checked and documented. Officials have said that if the allegations are confirmed in any booth, a repoll will be organised there. So far, authorities have not issued any formal confirmation on Panda’s specific claims.

Debangshu Panda has argued that the alleged taping of buttons was intended to distort voter choice and affect the final outcome in Falta. The accusations from the BJP, the response from Malaviya, and the earlier dispute involving Jahangir Khan have combined to turn this Assembly segment into a focal point of the wider West Bengal Election.