Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central forces of trying to "capture" electronic voting machines (EVMs) in West Bengal districts that went to polls in the first phase of the state assembly election on April 23.
Banerjee alleged that central forces escorted criminals to EVM strong rooms with their faces covered, and claimed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) remained silent on the matter.
However, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the state chief electoral officer, maintained that all EVMs are safe, with strongrooms kept under lock and key and double-checked.
Banerjee made the allegations at back-to-back rallies in her Bhabanipur constituency, where she faces Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lead the last BJP roadshow in Banerjee's constituency on Monday.
Banerjee also attacked the BJP, saying it used to claim she does not allow Durga Puja in Bengal, but the reality is that Durga Puja in Kolkata draws tourists from around the world and offers jobs to many people.
She said the BJP claimed she turned Kolkata into a slum, but the poor live in slums and work with honesty, and cannot be insulted.
Banerjee said she works for the people around the year and the city has developed significantly, with no power shortage, bad roads, or major waterlogging issues during monsoon.
