The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday raised concerns over the deployment of contractual employees for vote counting in Pingla and Daspur constituencies, alleging it could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
The BJP leader accused the ruling All India Trinamool Congress of attempting to manipulate the mandate and urged the Election Commission of India to intervene.
In a post on X, Adhikari questioned whether “the fate of democracy” was being handed over to contractual workers, calling it a “grave concern” and a direct assault on the sanctity of the democratic process. He said he was “appalled” by the counting orders issued for 227-Pingla and 230-Daspur Assembly constituencies, where a significant number of contractual and casual employees were assigned key counting duties.
He questioned the deployment of 'Jibika Sebaks,' 'Sahayaks,' and 'Contractual DEOs' for the counting of votes, alleging that they are vulnerable to political pressure.
"How can 'Jibika Sebaks,' 'Sahayaks,' and 'Contractual DEOs' be entrusted with the sensitive task of handling EVMs, VVPATs, and Postal Ballots? These positions are inherently vulnerable to political pressure and lack the institutional accountability required for a process as sacred as the counting of votes. The orders reveal a shocking reliance on non-permanent staff for high-stakes roles: Pingla AC (227): Contractual staff like Bipalendu Bera (JS), Sankar Pahari (JS), and Naba Kumar Apik (BLS) are embedded in the Counting and Compilation teams. Even the "Reserve Tagging" involves staff like Swapan Middya (BLAAA). Daspur AC (230): The order is littered with Sahayaks, VLEs, and Contractual DEOs across the Compilation Team, EVM Movement, and even the Sealing of EVMs/VVPATs," the BJP leader said.
He asked the ECI to ensure that regular government employees are involved in the counting of votes on May 4.
He wrote, "The Hon'ble Chief Election Commissioner and the Hon'ble Chief Electoral Officer (CEO); West Bengal, must intervene immediately, so that these orders are revised to ensure that only permanent, regular Government Employees are involved in the Counting Process to maintain neutrality."
"Why were these names cleared in the first place? This looks like a desperate attempt by the ruling dispensation to manipulate the final mandate through vulnerable personnel. A thorough audit of all counting personnel across Paschim Medinipur district must be conducted to weed out any "Para-staff" or Contractual Workers from the Counting Halls," the Bengal Leader of Opposition added.
"The Election Commission of India must act to prevent the 'Contractualisation of Democracy.' We will not allow the Mandate of the People to be tampered with by those whose jobs depend on the whims of the ruling party," the X post read.
There has been a stir in West Bengal, with allegations from both camps, over the deployment of officers for duty on the day of vote counting.
Earlier, TMC had opposed the deployment of central government and PSU employees.
The Supreme Court on Friday constituted a special bench to hear the TMC's plea against the Calcutta High Court's rejection of its petition challenging the deployment for vote counting. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi will hear the plea today.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
(With inputs from ANI)
