Mamata cites 'load-shedding', warns against 'EVM capture'

Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Sunday asked Trinamool workers to be alert against "EVM capture" and said complaints of power-cuts were pouring in from EVM strongrooms after the first phase of the assembly polls in the state.

"Look at EC! It is your job to ensure EVMs are not captured. Why is there so much load-shedding? This is clearly an indication of malicious intent. I urge you not to fall into their trap," the CM said at her rallies in Bhowanipore, from where she is contesting.



The Bengal CM said she was leading by 4,000 votes in Nandigram in 2021 assembly elections before power went off at the counting centre.

The trend reversed after the supply resumed, and she finally lost the seat to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari by less than 2,000 votes. Banerjee challenged the result at Calcutta HC and the matter is still sub judice.

"Everyone must cast their vote. They will try to tamper with EVMs. If a machine malfunctions, come back to vote again. Do not vote in a machine that has previously malfunctioned. Every EVM must be thoroughly checked. Central forces will try to capture EVMs; they are influenced by the EC. Let them do whatever they want. Women should protect EVMs from the poll day until the counting ends," Banerjee said at her rallies on Sunday.

Referring to Union home minister Amit Shah, the CM said, "The HM uses foul language. He is scared. He thinks he will win by spreading fear. Do remember we know how to fight back if you try to stoke fear."
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