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| after sixth phase cpim hold press conference in alimuddin |
Kolkata, May 25, 2024 – Despite assurances of a free and fair election, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has alleged widespread voter fraud during the sixth phase of polling on Saturday. State Secretary Mohammed Salim vociferously claimed that the sanctity of the electoral process was compromised, calling on the Election Commission to ensure that voters can exercise their rights without intimidation or interference.
Addressing a press conference at Muzaffar Ahmad Bhavan in Kolkata, Salim stated, "The vote belongs to the people, not the government. The Election Commission must take measures to guarantee that people can vote freely."
Salim accused that criminal elements had infiltrated polling areas in Jhargram, where attempts to rig the votes were evident from the beginning. He mentioned that complaints had been lodged booth-by-booth, highlighting malfunctioning voting machines and attempts to manipulate the electoral process in various locations, including Ghatal.
"Today, in areas where polling is taking place, RSS, BJP, Trinamool, and Maoists have killed many people. The murderers have been given home guard jobs afterward," Salim alleged. "It is hard to tell if the central forces or the state police are conducting the polls, given the widespread voter fraud."
He demanded that the Election Commission take action before the seventh phase of polling to ensure a peaceful and fair election.
Reports of disturbances surfaced from multiple locations across the state. In Tamluk, CPI(M) candidate Sayan Banerjee was seen positioning agents at various booths and had heated exchanges with election officials over the phone. Salim questioned the large gatherings within 200 meters of polling stations, contrary to regulations mandating security arrangements to prevent such gatherings.
Salim, alongside CPI(M) central committee member Shamik Lahiri, condemned the violence and irregularities in polling areas such as Bankura, Keshpur, Nandigram, and Ramnagar. He criticized both the Trinamool Congress and BJP, stating, "Trinamool says Suvendu (BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari) is responsible, while Suvendu blames Mamata Banerjee. Both created a free-for-all zone in Nandigram."
He further alleged that the Trinamool had mobilized people in Medinipur and Salboni, with specific booth numbers reported to the Chief Electoral Officer.
"Our candidates are on the ground, not sitting in protest for publicity. Sayan is fighting against the looting in East Medinipur, not acting like a paper tiger. The BJP, however, is sitting in protest," Salim said. "The vote belongs to the people, not the government. The Commission must take responsibility to ensure that people can vote."
The allegations of voter fraud have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process as the state heads into the final phases of polling. The Election Commission is yet to respond to the CPI(M)'s allegations and calls for immediate action.
