Voting in the final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections witnessed a turnout of 78.68 so far, even as reports of violence, vandalism, and technical glitches emerged from several parts of the state. The polling process, covering 142 constituencies, has been marked by both high political stakes and tense ground situations.
Early in the day, incidents of unrest were reported from multiple districts. Allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions and delays in polling surfaced in Hooghly, raising concerns among voters and party workers. In Bally, a clash reportedly broke out over similar complaints, prompting Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to detain two individuals in an attempt to restore order.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched sharp criticism against the central forces deployed during the elections. She alleged that they were acting “as per the BJP’s directions,” questioning their neutrality in ensuring free and fair polls. Addressing the media, Banerjee presented a video clip claiming it showed a Trinamool Congress worker being assaulted, and raised concerns over the conduct of security personnel during the voting process.
Banerjee herself is among the 1,448 candidates contesting in this crucial phase. She is locked in a high-profile contest against Suvendu Adhikari from the Bhabanipur constituency, a seat that has drawn significant political attention.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is aiming to build on its improved performance from the 2021 Assembly elections, where it secured 77 seats and emerged as a strong opposition force in the state.
As polling continues, authorities remain on high alert to manage the situation and ensure that the remaining voting process proceeds peacefully. The final outcome of this phase is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape of West Bengal.
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