77 EVM Tampering Complaints In Bengal Polls; CEO Manoj Agarwal Signals Possible Re-Poll Before May 2

West Bengal Chief Election Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Thursday flagged multiple instances of alleged Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering during the second phase of polling, revealing that as many as 77 complaints were reported across districts.

Addressing the media, Agarwal said authorities have already begun verification of the complaints and indicated that a re-poll may be conducted in affected areas before May 2, ahead of the scheduled counting of votes on May 4.

“We have received complaints regarding black-taping of EVMs, pouring adhesives and stickers… a total of 77 such complaints were received on April 29,” Agarwal stated.

Providing a district-wise break-up, the CEO said the highest number of complaints—38—came from Falta, followed by around 13 from Mograhat, 29 from Diamond Harbour, and 3 from Budge Budge.

He clarified that not all complaints have been substantiated so far, noting that “as of now there are 23 verified cases of EVM tampering out of the total 77 complaints,” while emphasising that the verification process remains ongoing.

“The verification is an ongoing exercise and ultimately before we get the results we cannot make a statement,” he said, adding that a detailed scrutiny is being carried out by District Election Officers (DEOs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), and poll observers.

Significantly, Agarwal acknowledged early indications of irregularities, saying authorities have found “prima facie” evidence in several instances. “We are seeing that the sanctity has been tampered… we spoke with the Presiding Officers, who accepted… we also spoke with the micro observers. These are established prima facie. Final decisions will be made later,” he said.

On the possibility of a re-poll, the CEO clarified that the final call will rest with the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, he indicated a tight timeline for corrective action. “Repoll will be decided by the Election Commission of India. But since the results are on May 4, we have to complete the repoll by May 2,” he noted.

The developments have raised fresh concerns over the integrity of the polling process in parts of the state, even as election authorities maintain that due procedure is being followed to assess complaints and ensure transparency.

With verification underway and administrative machinery on alert, the Election Commission is expected to take a call soon on whether re-polling will be ordered in the affected constituencies.