Diamond Harbour Model: BJP Alleges Foul Play Over Obstructed EVM Symbols

On April 29, 2026, the highly charged political warfare in West Bengal took an unusual turn with allegations of voter fraud being made against the BJP. The BJP officially charged the TMC under the “Diamond Harbour Model” with trying to subvert the voting process. At the centre of this allegation was the claim that the lotus symbol was covered over the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) at many of the polling places.

This all came to light during the second phase of polling, in the Diamond Harbour area specifically. The BJP has alleged that the ruling party has denied many voters their right to vote by attempting to conceal the lotus symbol on Electronic Voting Machines. This suit has led to a significant clash between these two major political forces, so the Election Commission must act quickly.

The BJP’s Formal Statement on Symbol Tampering

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) released an aggressive statement about TMC (Trinamool Congress) having used the “Diamond Harbour Model” to steal their constituency vote. The BJP alleged on Thursday (23) that their election agents found adhesive tape covering the lotus symbol in many booths in the area of Falta where there were polls held this past Monday. Due to this physical coat of tape, a voter could not see or touch the lotus symbol when using the voting machine.

According to the party’s official position, these actions occur as part of a conspiracy to rig the elections and thus violate each voter’s constitutional right to see the lotus symbol prior to entering the polling booth. As a result of these actions, the BJP has requested an independent audit of the EVMs (electronic voting machines) in all booths impacted in order to address concerns regarding transparency.

The TMC’s Counter-Statement and Denial of Claims

The Trinamool Congress quickly rebuffed claims that there was any merit behind your so-called ‘Diamond Harbour Model’. The TMC believes that the BJP senses it is going to be losing the election, hence it is making all kinds of false accusations and spreading false stories to create distractions for themselves. There was no ambiguity about whether or not the polling and the use of the lotus symbol was done fairly and democratically by the police and other enforcement agencies.

The TMC further stated that the BJP’s false claims of wrongdoing against the local election process and the way the TMC has carried out its responsibilities are simply a means for the BJP to cover up their lack of support from their local community. Therefore, the public should dismiss any rumors or lies being spread that have no merit whatsoever, and they should continue to celebrate, in the spirit of democracy.

In a press release, the EC confirmed the complaints regarding “Diamond Harbour Model” of tampering with the elections. They have had confirmation from election officials that reports of stickering/ taping over the lotus symbol at particular polling stations, therefore technical teams were sent in immediately to review machines to return the ballots to the correct standing.

The commission has also stated that anyone in the polling place purposefully covering up the lotus will have their polling place immediately shut down. The commission is currently reviewing CCTV and Observer Diaries to substantiate the BJP’s allegations and will prepare a report to determine whether or not a re-polling should occur to maintain the integrity of the electoral process in West Bengal.