'Alarming!' TMC posts video of 'gross electoral fraud', calls EC 'puppet'

NEW DELHI: The All India Trinamool Congress on Thursday levelled sharp allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission , accusing them of “gross electoral fraud” and “murder of democracy in broad daylight” over alleged irregularities involving ballot boxes.In a post on X, the party shared CCTV footage and claimed it showed a few persons opening ballot boxes without the presence of authorised party representatives accusing the BJP of tampering ahead of counting, which is scheduled to take place on May 4.“This is the murder of democracy in broad daylight. CCTV footage has exposed how @BJP4India, in active collusion with the @ECISVEEP, is opening ballot boxes without the presence of any relevant party stakeholders. This is gross electoral fraud being committed openly with the full knowledge and protection of the Election Commission,” the party said.The TMC further alleged that multiple attempts were being made to influence the electoral process. “They have tried every dirty trick, name deletion, voter intimidation, Central Force terror, cash flooding, and failed miserably. Now, in sheer desperation, they have stooped to tampering with EVMs,” it said in the post.The party also claimed that senior leaders had begun a sit-in protest. “Our leaders Smt. @DrShashiPanja and Shri @KunalGhoshAgain have already begun a dharna outside Netaji Indoor Stadium. Smt. @MamataOfficial will personally visit the spot and take stock of the situation,” the post added.According to the party, chief minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the protest site.Meanwhile, the TMC reiterated its allegation that “we will not allow the Delhi Zamindars and their puppet Election Commission to steal the mandate of the people.”The second and final phase of polling in West Bengal concluded on Wednesday.