Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday was marred by reports of violence, vandalism and allegations of irregularities across several districts, intensifying the political battle between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Incidents were reported from areas including Chapra, Shantipur and Bhangar shortly after polling began.
In one incident, a BJP polling agent was allegedly attacked in Chapra. The injured agent, Mosharef Mir, claimed that a group of people, allegedly linked to the ruling party, assaulted him with rods. “Around 15-16 people rushed at me… one of them had a gun. They hit me and I fell unconscious,” he said. Police confirmed that he was admitted to a local hospital, while the TMC denied the allegations.
EVM Malfunction and Voting Delays Reported
Concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) surfaced from multiple locations. In Howrah and other areas, voters complained about malfunctioning machines, leading to delays.
TMC leader Chandrima Bhattacharya said, “The EVM had malfunctioned here. Voting is happening slowly because of that.”
EVMs have long been a political flashpoint, with opposition parties raising concerns over their reliability, while the Election Commission has repeatedly maintained that the machines are secure.
BJP Alleges Booth Manipulation, Seeks Repoll
The BJP also accused the TMC of tampering with voting processes. Party leader Amit Malviya alleged that BJP’s election symbol was deliberately covered in some booths.
“In several polling booths, the option to vote for the BJP has been blocked using tape… we demand immediate repoll in all affected booths,” he said.
There were also reports of vandalism, including damage to a BJP camp in Shantipur and a car belonging to a party candidate in South 24 Parganas.
Mamata Banerjee Accuses Central Forces of Bias
Amid the clashes, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused central security forces of acting in favour of the BJP.
“Central forces are picking on our people… polling cannot be done like this,” she said.
She further alleged interference by external observers. “So many observers have come from outside. Whatever BJP says, they are doing. Is this how polls take place? Votes will be cast by voters, not by police or security forces… they are doing terrorism,” Banerjee added.
Her nephew and senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also criticised election observers, claiming they had “exceeded their mandate.”
High-Stakes Battle in Bhabanipur
The second phase covers 142 constituencies, including the high-profile Bhabanipur seat, where Mamata Banerjee is locked in a direct contest with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
This election is crucial for the BJP, which is aiming to improve its performance after winning 77 seats in 2021, while the TMC is seeking to retain power.
Row Over Electoral Roll Revision
The election is also taking place amid controversy over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. The revision led to the removal of over 90 lakh names from the rolls.
The TMC has alleged that the move was aimed at disenfranchising voters, while the BJP and the Election Commission have rejected these claims.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra said, “This is a fight to save democracy… voters have been deleted, and people will respond with a high turnout.”
Heavy Security Deployment Across State
Authorities deployed nearly 2,400 companies of central armed police forces across polling stations to maintain law and order. Officials said extensive arrangements, including CCTV cameras and webcasting at booths, were made to ensure transparency.
Despite these measures, sporadic clashes and allegations from all sides have kept tensions high.
Calls for Peaceful Voting
Amid the violence, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to participate without fear.
“Step out in large numbers and exercise your democratic right… do not be influenced or intimidated,” he said, adding that voters should stand up against forces that undermine their rights.
With polling underway and tensions running high, all eyes are now on the results, which are scheduled to be announced on May 4.
