Repolling At 2 Seats, BJP-TMC Clashes, Falta Protests: What’s Unfolding In West Bengal Today

Violent clashes broke out between BJP and TMC workers in South 24 Parganas during repolling in 15 booths, with BJP supporters alleging that they were prevented from voting.

Locals protested in South 24 Parganas against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday. (ANI)

West Bengal Assembly Elections: Chaotic scenes on Saturday marred the repolling at 15 polling booths in West Bengal as Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers clashed in South 24 Parganas on Saturday.

The Election Commission had ordered repolling at 15 booths in Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour due to allegations of electoral malpractice and vote tampering. The repolling began this morning without any incident amidst heavy security presence, with over 72% turnout in both constituencies by 3 pm.

However, violent clashes broke out between BJP and TMC workers during repolling, with BJP supporters alleging that they were prevented from voting. TMC supporters accused the BJP of disrupting the electoral process. Police officers resorted to lathi charge and detained several people in connection with the clashes.

BJP’s Falta candidate, Debangshu Panda, alleged that voting could not be conducted properly at several booths as people were threatened and prevented from voting by TMC workers.

Meanwhile, another controversy erupted over alleged irregularities in EVM strongrooms. The TMC filed a complaint against a Returning Officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, alleging unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers. On the other hand, the BJP also alleged that a strong room was opened without authorisation, prompting an inquiry in which at least six officials have reportedly been suspended.

Locals Protest Against TMC In Falta

Meanwhile, locals in the Hashim Nagar area of the Falta Assembly constituency began protesting in the area by blocking roads, alleging that they were being harassed by TMC workers.

READ MORE: ‘They Will Burn Our Houses’: Locals In South 24 Parganas’ Falta Claim TMC Workers Are Threatening Them

“TMC’s Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed,” a local woman told news agency ANI. Another woman alleged that despite voting for the ruling party, they were targeted.

TMC candidate from Falta, Jehangir Khan, denied the accusations and alleged that the women were “deployed” by the BJP to stage the demonstration and engineer the arrest of TMC functionaries in the area before the counting to “harm the morale of the TMC supporters”.

Meanwhile, the CRPF deputy commandant visited the area with a large force and assured the demonstrators of ensuring their safety. An Election Commission official said a report has been sought about the protests from the district administration.

Additional SP Abhishek of South 24 Parganas said, “We will not let them (protesters) block the national highway. Repolling is currently underway in Diamond Harbour PD, and if they block the national highway, it will be cut off from Kolkata… A case has been filed on their demand, and it is subject to investigation.”

Election Commission Deploys Additional Forces

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Saturday deployed 165 additional counting observers and 77 police observers in West Bengal to ensure secure and transparent counting of votes.

“Additional counting observers have been deployed in assembly constituencies having more than one counting hall,” an EC official said, adding that police observers will oversee law and order arrangements around counting centres.

The EC also announced tighter access control measures at counting centres, mandating entry only through QR code-based photo identity cards issued via its ECINet system.

Supreme Court Declines To Intervene In TMC’s Plea

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Saturday declined to pass further directions on a plea filed by TMC challenging the deployment of central government personnel during vote counting in West Bengal.

A special bench comprising justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi said that the EC’s April 13 circular, which provides for a mix of central and state government employees in the counting process on May 4, was not contrary to law. It said that the poll body has the discretion to appoint counting personnel from either the state or the central government.

The BJP hailed the ruling, terming the development as a major blow to the TMC. “The refusal to entertain this plea underscores a clear message — attempts to influence or cast doubt over the integrity of the counting process will not find easy validation,” said BJP’s Amit Malviya.

However, the TMC claimed that the SC directions vindicated its stand. “The issue raised before the Hon’ble Supreme Court pertained to the implementation of the said communication in a manner whereby only Central Government/Central PSU employees were being appointed as Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants for counting of votes,” the party said in a statement.

(with inputs from agencies)

Read More