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Bengal Police Refute BJP's Postal Ballot Tampering Claims, Detail Secure Process

West Bengal Police have issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari regarding the manipulation of police personnel's postal ballots. They detailed the strict Election Commission procedures for absentee voting, which involves casting ballots at designated, videographed centres. The police clarified that ballots cannot be collected by reserve officers and are only issued by presiding officers at official Postal Voting Centres. The statement aims to assure transparency after Adhikari called the alleged actions a "direct assault on free and fair elections."

Key Points: Bengal Police Refute Suvendu Adhikari's Postal Ballot Manipulation Claim

  • Police refute ballot collection allegations
  • Detail strict EC-mandated voting procedure
  • Explain AVES system for personnel on duty
  • Assert full transparency with videography
2 min read

West Bengal Police refute BJP's Suvendu Adhikari's claims of postal ballot manipulation

West Bengal Police issue detailed clarification, denying BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's allegations of postal ballot collection malpractice, outlining strict EC procedures.

"There is no scope for the collection of Postal Ballots (PB) from police personnel by Reserve Officers. - West Bengal Police"

Kolkata, March 11

West Bengal police strongly refuted allegations made by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari that police personnel's postal ballots were being collected through a so-called welfare organisation, asserting that the process of voting for police personnel on election duty follows strict Election Commission procedures and leaves no scope for manipulation.

In a post on X responding to Adhikari's claims, the police clarified that postal ballots cannot be collected by reserve officers and are issued only through authorised election officials at designated centres. "The allegation raised is strongly refuted. There is no scope for the collection of Postal Ballots (PB) from police personnel by Reserve Officers. PBs are issued only by the Presiding Officer at the Postal Voting Centre (PVC)," West Bengal Police said.

The police further explained that after casting their vote, personnel seal their postal ballot in the prescribed envelope and drop it in a designated drop box at the Postal Voting Centre, with the entire process being videographed.

According to the clarification, police personnel deployed outside their constituency on election duty vote through the Postal Ballot facility available to Absentee Voters in Essential Services (AVES). They must apply through Form 12D, which is forwarded by the Police Nodal Officer to the concerned Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer for verification.

"Approved voters receive SMS intimation regarding the venue, date and time of voting at the PVC. Details of the arrangements are also published on the official website of the District Election Officer," the police said.

They added that Postal Voting Centres are set up at the Returning Officer headquarters, where eligible police personnel report for voting. After proper identification in the presence of polling agents from political parties, the voters cast their ballots to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

"There is no possibility of Postal Ballots being taken out of the PVC or being collected by Reserve Officers of Police," the statement added.

The clarification comes after Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the Trinamool Congress government was attempting to manipulate the electoral process by instructing police officers to collect postal ballots through a police welfare organisation.

Adhikari had urged the Election Commission to intervene, calling the alleged move a "direct assault on free and fair elections" and demanding action against officials involved in handling postal ballots outside authorised channels.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why is this even a debate? The EC's procedure is very clear. If Adhikari ji has concrete evidence, he should present it to the Commission, not just make allegations on social media. This creates unnecessary confusion among voters. 🙄
S
Suresh O
As a former government employee, I can say the postal ballot process for essential services is taken very seriously. The form 12D, SMS intimation, and videography are standard safeguards. The police explanation seems legitimate.
A
Aryan P
While the police clarification is detailed, one has to ask - why was such a specific allegation made? In the heated political environment of Bengal, vigilance is key. The EC must ensure these procedures are followed to the letter, without any "local adjustments".
M
Meera T
Good step by WB Police to clarify publicly. This back-and-forth before elections is common, but it's important for institutions to respond firmly to maintain their credibility. Our police and election officials work hard during polls, they deserve our trust unless proven otherwise.
D
David E
Interesting to see the process. The SMS alert and website publication of details is a good use of tech for transparency. Hope the EC monitors all states equally. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of democracy.

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