Kolkata, April 30 (IANS). After the second phase of assembly elections in the state, the political atmosphere has heated up even before the counting of votes. Allegations and counter-allegations have intensified between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party regarding the process of strong room and postal ballot in Kolkata.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh alleged that the strong room was opened ahead of time and some people were working inside, information about which was not given to the political parties. He said that his team was present there till morning, but transparency was not maintained regarding the process.
TMC leader Shashi Panja also raised questions on this issue. He claimed that “unknown people are handling the postal ballots” and did not clarify what was going on inside. He also asked that when the strong room was sealed in the presence of the candidates, then on what basis was it opened.
At the same time, controversy also arose over the alleged presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Reports said that she was present in the strong room premises of Sakhawat Memorial School in Kolkata. The opposition raised questions on this. BJP-affiliated lawyer Suryanil Das alleged that it is unconstitutional for a candidate to stay in the strong room premises for a long time.
However, BJP leaders rejected TMC’s allegations outright. BJP candidate from Maniktala, Tapas Roy said that all this is ‘just rumour’ and TMC is making such allegations due to fear of defeat. He said that there is a three-tier security system in the strong room and nothing is possible without permission.
BJP candidate from Entali, Priyanka Tibrewal also attacked TMC. He said that it was only due to the presence of central forces that peaceful voting was possible in the state and record voting was recorded. He alleged that TMC is trying to influence the election process and is now doing ‘drama’.
The Election Commission of India has taken cognizance of this entire controversy. State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Aggarwal said that information about the matter has been given to the Commission and a report has been sought from the concerned officials.
Kolkata North District Election Officer Smita Pandey clarified that all the processes related to the strong room have been completed as per the rules. He said that after voting, the EVMs were sealed in the presence of the candidates and their agents.
He also said that the process over which there is controversy is actually part of the statutory process of separating postal ballots. This work was being done as per the pre-determined schedule and its information was given to the political parties through email.
Meanwhile, reports of tense atmosphere between BJP supporters and TMC workers have also emerged in different parts of Kolkata. Workers of both the parties are keeping a vigil outside the strong room and are anticipating any kind of disturbance.
The Election Commission and the district administration have appealed to all parties to maintain peace.
–IANS
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