Allegations of Ballot Irregularities Stir Concern in Dakshin Dinajpur

Kamal Kumar Biswas. TOD. Balurghat 

A formal complaint submitted to local election authorities has raised serious concerns about alleged irregularities in the handling of postal ballots at multiple facilitation centers in Dakshin Dinajpur, prompting calls for an immediate investigation and stronger safeguards.

In a letter addressed to the District Election Officer, political candidates reported witnessing what they described as “severe violations” of established election procedures during polling activities on April 16. The allegation centers on ballot boxes that were allegedly not properly sealed before use, with claims that some officials attempted to initiate voting despite these lapses.According to the complaint, polling personnel observed ballot boxes being opened and postal ballots redistributed into different containers, an act the letter characterizes as a “gross violation” undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The presence of unidentified individuals carrying mobile phones inside facilitation centers was also cited as a potential breach of protocol.

The allegation further highlights operational challenges at certain polling locations, including Narayanpur High School and Balurghat Girls High School, where unusually long queues reportedly led to disorder and confusion among voters and staff. The reasons behind the crowding remain unclear.The letter also invokes past incidents, referencing alleged violence and intimidation during earlier elections in the district. In particular, it recalls the 2018 panchayat elections, during which a counting center was reportedly overrun by armed individuals.

Signatories to the complaint have urged authorities to take immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of polling personnel and voters, and to uphold the standards of a free and fair election. They emphasized the responsibility of election officials to maintain transparency and public trust throughout the voting process.Election authorities have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.