Concerns Raised Over EVM Security and Surveillance in North Bengal Polling
2 hours agoPolitics
35LENS
2 SourcesMalda district, India
TBNthebalanced.news

Concerns Raised Over EVM Security and Surveillance in North Bengal Polling

Following the first phase of polling in North Bengal on April 23, concerns arose over the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during their transport and storage. In Malda's Habibpur constituency, villagers and political workers protested, suspecting extra EVMs were being moved, which officials clarified as standard reserve machines. In Cooch Behar, the Trinamool Congress alleged CCTV cameras at a strong room were non-functional for hours, raising tampering fears, while officials attributed the issue to technical glitches and confirmed internal monitoring remained active. Both incidents highlight heightened vigilance and differing views on EVM security in the region.

Political Bias
54%38%8%
Sentiment
35%
AI analysis of 2 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 25 Apr 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 2 sources
● Left 54%● Center 38%● Right 8%

The articles present perspectives from both political parties and election officials. The first article highlights BJP leaders and villagers expressing suspicion about EVM transport, while the second focuses on TMC's allegations regarding CCTV failures. Officials provide clarifications attributing issues to standard procedures or technical glitches. This mix reflects competing political narratives and official responses without endorsing either side.

Sentiment — Neutral (35/100)

The overall tone is cautious and concerned, reflecting tensions around election security. Reports include allegations and protests alongside official reassurances, resulting in a balanced but tense sentiment. There is no overtly positive or negative language, maintaining a neutral stance while conveying the seriousness of the issues raised.

How 2 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
thestatesmanPolitical workers escort EVMs while being shifted to strong rooms in N BengalCenterNeutral
indiatodayTMC claims CCTVs not working in strong room, official blames technical glitchLeftNeutral

Coverage timeline

indiatoday broke this story on 24 Apr, 06:11 pm. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    indiatoday24 Apr, 06:11 pm
    TMC claims CCTVs not working in strong room, official blames technical glitch
  2. 2
    thestatesman25 Apr, 03:30 am
    Political workers escort EVMs while being shifted to strong rooms in N Bengal

Lens Score breakdown

35/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap100%

Story is receiving appropriate media attention relative to public interest.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Government
Election Commission of IndiaCooch Behar District MagistrateElection CommissionCentral forces
Political
Trinamool CongressTMC General SecretaryBJP
Enforcement
Central forces

Story context

Category
Politics
Location
Malda district, India
Sources analysed
2
Last analysed
25 Apr 2026
Key entities
Electoral districtElectronic voting machineMalda districtHabibpur Assembly constituencyNorth BengalAlipurduarDistrictBengalDramaMobile phoneChairpersonSlogan