EVMs blocked with bubble gum and tape

West Bengal is home to about 100 million people and has been one of India's most politically charged states for decades. From 34 years of Left Front rule to 15 years under Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), the state has had a long history of intense political competition, electoral violence, and identity-driven campaigns.

The 2026 Assembly Elections were always going to be historic. Either Mamata Banerjee would secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive term, cementing her legacy as Bengal's longest-serving Chief Minister, or the BJP would script history by winning the state for the very first time. What unfolded exceeded even the most dramatic procedures.

In the middle of West Bengal's heated election season, allegations surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) became the centre of political debate again. Therefore, this time, claims have emerged from parts of South 24 Parganas, particularly Falta and nearby constituencies, where opposition parties alleged that certain EVM buttons had been obstructed using black tape, glue-like substances, and even bubble gum-like material.

While several different videos and photographs have circulated online, many of the claims remain just allegations, and no definitive conclusion has been publicly established in every case. However, the controversy became serious enough for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reportedly order investigations and, in some booths, even recommend repolling.

What were some of the allegations? Well, opposition parties, mainly the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleged that buttons that corresponded to their election symbol on the EVM ballot units had been partially blocked by using stuff like black tape, adhesive substances, bubble-gum-like material and ink or scent-based markings.

Now, according to some of these allegations, voters supposedly found it difficult to press certain buttons properly. Some viral clips on social media even appeared to show polling agents or voters pointing at buttons that looked partially covered. However, many of these clips could not be independently verified.

There were also allegations that perfumes or ink-like substances were applied near buttons to allegedly identify voting behaviour, though these claims remain disputed and unproven.

Now the reason why this has become such a big issue is that, as the West Bengal elections have historically been politically intense, often marked by accusations of booth capturing, intimidation and electoral malpractice from rival parties.

This controversy especially struck a nerve because EVMs are already a politically sensitive subject in India. Any allegation involving tampering immediately raises public distrust. Viral social media videos have amplified the panic and outrage quite quickly. The claims came during a tightly contested environment.

Now, for many ordinary voters, the controversy was not only about machines. It has now become a symbol of a larger fear: whether their vote truly remained secret and protected.

Therefore, for first-time voters and elderly citizens, voting can already feel intimidating and reports of allegedly blocked buttons created confusion at polling stations.

Some local accounts and media reports have suggested that: voters hesitated before pressing buttons, polling agents allegedly argued inside booths, elderly voters reportedly needed assistance understanding whether machines were functioning correctly, and the long queues formed in certain areas after several complaints had surfaced.

Now, the Election Commission of India reportedly took the complaints seriously enough to begin scrutiny of polling booths where the initial allegations emerged from.

According to the reports, officials have stated that if claims regarding tape or obstruction were verified, repolling could be ordered in affected booths. Presiding officers were reportedly instructed to carefully inspect ballot unit buttons before polling, and, allegedly, additional scrutiny measures were introduced in parts of West Bengal after complaints increased.

Later reports have suggested that the EC declared polling in parts of Falta as “seriously vitiated,” citing multiple alleged irregularities. However, authorities did not publicly confirm every viral claim circulating online.

Now the controversy has expanded beyond just obstructed buttons. Several reports and complaints have also mentioned the allegations of: booth interference, voter intimidation, companion voting abuse, unauthorised people entering voting compartments, missing or incomplete CCTV footage and possible bogus voting.

Again, many of these accusations remain allegations and are politically contested. Different parties accused each other of manipulating narratives for electoral gain.

Now the “bubble gum and tape” narrative spread rapidly because of how unusual it sounded.

In a country where election technology is supposed to represent precision and neutrality, the idea that something as ordinary as chewing gum could allegedly interfere with voting felt shocking to many citizens.

Social media users have since turned the phrase into political memes, angry commentary, satirical videos and debates about the reliability of EVM systems.

Now, whether all allegations are ultimately proven or not, the controversy reflects a larger issue in Indian democracy: the public's trust.

For many citizens, elections are not just administrative exercises. They are emotional moments tied to identity, voice and power.

When allegations emerge- even unverified ones- they can create fear among voters, distrust toward institutions, political polarisation and long-term suspicion about electoral outcomes.

This is why even seemingly small incidents involving tape or gum on voting buttons can evolve into national conversations.

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