Over 91.66% voting in violence-marred Bengal elections !

Kolkata (Bengal) – In the second and final phase of the Bengal Assembly elections held on 29 April for 142 seats, voter turnout crossed 91.66% across the State. However, the elections were marred by multiple incidents of violence. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was allegedly attacked by workers of the Trinamool Congress. According to Adhikari, some women and Muslim youths were among the attackers.

In the first phase, held on 23 April for 152 seats, the voter turnout was 93%. The election results will be declared on 4 May.

Attack on BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari

Serious incidents during the elections

The BJP alleged that in Falta in Diamond Harbour, the button for the BJP on the voting machine was sealed with tape. In Panihati, complaints were received that the BJP button on the voting machine had an ink mark.
In the South 24 Parganas district, alleged Trinamool Congress goons vandalised the vehicle of BJP candidate Vikas Sardar and attempted to snatch the weapon of his security personnel.

BJP candidate Ratna Debnath also alleged that she was attacked by Trinamool Congress workers.

While passing near the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat, locals shouted slogans of ‘go back’ at BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari. He responded with slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, following which he was attacked.

Some voters in North 24 Parganas alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee threatened them and created an atmosphere of fear during voting.

A polling booth was set up at Shiksha Niketan School in Maniktala, near the residence of Trinamool Congress candidate Shreya Pandey. A campaign banner of Pandey was placed within 100 metres of the polling station, which violates Election Commission rules. (Even if Shreya Pandey wins, her MLA membership should be cancelled! – Editor)

Re-polling will be held wherever ‘tape’ is found on voting machines! – Election Commission

The Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, stated that re-polling will be conducted at polling stations where complaints of black or white tape on voting machines are received. If similar complaints are reported from multiple polling stations within the same constituency, re-polling may be conducted for the entire constituency.

‘Voting is peaceful in Bengal after many years !’ – Indian Secular Front

Naushad Siddiqui, president of the Indian Secular Front, said that Bengal should be freed from thieves. Visit polling booths and see for yourself—after many years, voting is taking place peacefully. This is what we wanted. Vote for whoever you wish, but do so peacefully.

‘BJP is spreading fear by bringing outside observers and officials !’

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress candidate from Bhabanipur, alleged that many observers have been brought from outside and are acting as per the BJP’s directions. She questioned whether elections should be conducted in such a manner and stated that voters should cast their votes, not the police or security forces. She further alleged that new personnel have been deployed recently and are spreading fear.