Tensions Rise in Diamond Harbour Constituency Ahead of Polls

As the Diamond Harbour constituency prepares for elections, tensions are escalating due to allegations of EVM tampering and voter manipulation. The clash between Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan and police observer Ajay Pal Sharma has drawn significant attention. With accusations from BJP candidate Debanshu Panda claiming deliberate obstruction of voters, the Election Commission has ordered re-polling at affected booths. This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, leading to heightened political unrest in the region. Read on to discover more about the unfolding events and their implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 15:02 IST

Political Turmoil in Diamond Harbour

The Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Abhishek Banerjee, has become a focal point of tension ahead of the polling in Falta. Jahangir Khan, the candidate from the Trinamool Congress and an ally of Banerjee, has been at the center of the controversy, particularly following a clash with police observer Ajay Pal Sharma. On the eve of the election, Sharma had already warned Khan and his family against causing any disruptions during the voting process, which had made headlines.

On polling day, new allegations of malfunctioning and tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from Falta have further escalated the situation. BJP candidate Debanshu Panda accused the Trinamool Congress of deliberately preventing voters from casting their ballots in their favor, intensifying the unrest in the constituency.

Election Commission Orders Re-polling

Both CPM and BJP candidates had tape placed next to their names on the ballot. The CPM has yet to issue a statement regarding this incident. Following complaints about the BJP candidate's name being obscured on the EVMs, the Election Commission has ordered re-polling at the affected booths, deeming the situation serious. Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the state's Chief Electoral Officer, indicated that if similar incidents occur, re-polling could be mandated across the entire constituency.

Candidates reported that in several polling stations, buttons related to their names and party symbols on the EVMs were allegedly jammed, claiming this was a deliberate act to prevent voters from supporting them.

Allegations of Voter Manipulation

Amit Malviya shared videos showing the tape placed over the buttons next to the BJP candidate's name on social media, stating that Mamata Banerjee was defending this when she supported the criminal Jahangir Khan, who is contesting from TMC in Diamond Harbour's Falta. In multiple polling centers, the option to vote for the BJP was reportedly blocked by tape, effectively hindering voters from making their choice. Malviya referred to this as the 'Diamond Harbour model' and alleged that this was the same tactic Abhishek Banerjee used to secure his seat.

Debanshu Panda further claimed that such actions were taken to influence the voting process and obstruct fair elections. These allegations have sparked political tension in the area, although no official confirmation of these claims has been made yet.