KOLKATA, May 5 : The Election Commission of India on Tuesday denied claims made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chairperson and outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the vote count process in the Bhabanipur constituency was “unfair” and her party had been defeated because of the machinations of the ECI.
“They can defeat the Trinamool Congress (TMC) through the Election Commission but we have morally won this election,” Banerjee said at a press conference earlier in the day.
“Our fight was not against the BJP, it was against the ECI – they became the villain. They looted the EVM machines. Our (TMC) agents were forcibly thrown out. The Form 17C was snatched away. If they had won fairly, I would have had nothing to say,” she said.
When asked whether she would resign, Banerjee shot back, “Why should I resign If anyone forces me to resign, I will say no, this cannot happen. The commission (ECI) has played directly at the behest of the BJP.”
Banerjee also said she had been assaulted inside the counting centre.
“They had hit me inside the counting centre,” Banerjee said.
Responding to the accusations, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, described those as “baseless and false”, maintaining that the counting process was carried out in a free, fair and transparent manner, strictly adhering to procedures prescribed by the Commission as well as all relevant laws, rules and regulations.
ECI Officials also rejected assertions regarding any lapse in surveillance, stating that CCTV coverage remained operational throughout the exercise. Claims of any jostling involving the candidate and the Chief Minister were dismissed as entirely unfounded and “a figment of imagination”.
According to a senior ECI official, the counting process was briefly halted at the insistence of the candidate. It was later resumed in line with established guidelines, following due intimation.
“The CCTV was never switched off and any incident of alleged jostling with the candidate of the AITC and Hon’ble CM is baseless and a figment of imagination,” the official said. (UNI)
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