Intense Security Measures Mark Voting in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal
Unusual Security Presence During Voting
During the second phase of voting in West Bengal, residents of Diamond Harbour witnessed an unusual scene. This area is known as the stronghold of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew, affectionately referred to as 'Bhaipo', Abhishek Banerjee. Streets in Diamond Harbour were patrolled by personnel from the anti-terrorism NIA, CRPF, and CISF. Additionally, Ajay Pal Sharma, a renowned encounter specialist from Uttar Pradesh, was deployed. The extensive security measures have drawn attention to this parliamentary constituency, which has a history of electoral violence and allegations of booth capturing and fraud.
Allegations of EVM Tampering
The spotlight on Diamond Harbour intensified when the BJP alleged that several polling stations in Falta had their EVMs tampered with, showing tape over the party's election symbol. A video shared by Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, purportedly displayed an EVM with tape covering the BJP's lotus symbol. Malviya tweeted that the option to vote for the BJP was blocked with tape at multiple polling centers, referring to this as the 'Diamond Harbour model', which had previously aided Abhishek in winning his Lok Sabha seat. He claimed that irregularities occurred at several booths. However, the ruling Trinamool Congress denied these allegations.
Election Commission's Intervention
In response to the situation, the Election Commission intervened and ordered re-voting at all polling stations where tampering was detected. They warned that if further incidents occurred, a re-election could be mandated across the entire constituency.
The Significance of Diamond Harbour
Over the past decade, the port city of Diamond Harbour has emerged prominently on West Bengal's political landscape. This rise is closely linked to the rapid ascent of Abhishek Banerjee, a three-time MP from the Trinamool Congress. Once inexperienced in politics in 2014, Abhishek has now become the second-in-command within the party, significantly enhancing his reputation in Bengal's political arena. Falta is one of the seven assembly constituencies under Diamond Harbour, which is adjacent to the Bangladesh border. The BJP has consistently accused the TMC of allowing unchecked infiltration to bolster its 'vote bank'. Both the BJP and the Congress-Left alliance have repeatedly claimed that Diamond Harbour has become a hub for illegal activities and cross-border smuggling. The opposition alleges that the funds generated from these illegal activities ultimately finance the TMC.