EC Cracks Down on EVM Tampering Ahead of Bengal Polls

Kolkata, April 22, 2026 As elections approach, ensuring transparency and trust in the voting process has become a top priority. The Election Commission has reinforced strict measures to prevent any form of malpractice, sending a clear message that electoral integrity will be protected at all costs. The Election Commission of India has issued firm guidelines prohibiting any attempt to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). It specifically warned against applying glue, ink, perfume, or any substance on candidate buttons, stating that such actions can interfere with voting secrecy and will be treated as an electoral offence. Officials deployed at polling stations have been directed to ensure that all EVM buttons remain clean and fully functional. Any suspicious activity or irregularity must be reported immediately, with strict monitoring in place to prevent disruptions during the voting process. The Commission has made it clear that violations will invite strict legal action, including the possibility of repolling at affected booths. This move underlines a zero-tolerance approach, aimed at maintaining free, fair, and credible elections.