south 24 parganas

Violence flared in south 24 parganas during West Bengal repolling. Supporters of the BJP and TMC clashed. Allegations surfaced that voters were prevented from casting ballots. Security forces intervened to restore order. Repolling occurred in specific booths following reports of irregularities and EVM tampering. The Election Commission ordered fresh polling to ensure fair voting.

The Calcutta High Court has refused to intervene in allegations against election observer Ajay Pal Sharma, citing the ongoing polling period. A lawyer's plea to restrain the IPS officer, accused of violating the Model Code of Conduct and intimidating voters in south 24 parganas, was dismissed. The court advised approaching the Election Commission for redressal amidst a political row.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 south 24 parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

Repoll in 15 booths across south 24 parganas saw an 86.9% voter turnout, lower than previous phases. Voters emphasized casting their ballots to ensure their votes were not wasted, with many traveling significant distances to participate. The administration ensured a peaceful and fair repoll, though matching previous turnout percentages remained a challenge for some officials.

Bengal's second phase of polling anticipates another massive voter turnout, potentially mirroring the first phase's unprecedented numbers. A significant factor driving this engagement appears to be the 'SIR fear factor,' where voters, concerned about being removed from electoral rolls, are going to great lengths to cast their ballots. This phenomenon is particularly evident in districts with high voter roll deletions.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has voiced strong concerns regarding the deployment of contractual workers for vote counting in two constituencies, deeming it a threat to democratic integrity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence in the Trinamool Congress securing over 200 seats, dismissing exit polls as stock market manipulation. She vowed to reward TMC workers who faced alleged brutality from Central Armed Police Forces. Repolling in south 24 parganas district saw significant voter turnout amidst tight security.

Bengal witnessed a seismic political shift as the BJP secured a historic victory, unseating the Trinamool Congress. A strong anti-incumbency wave, coupled with a reduced voter roll, propelled the BJP to power, marking a significant change in the state's political landscape.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed exit polls, alleging market manipulation, and predicted a Trinamool victory exceeding 200 seats. She urged counting agents to remain vigilant against alleged Election Commission bias and warned of legal action against observers for "unconstitutional acts." Abhishek Banerjee echoed these sentiments, highlighting alleged targeting of party workers and women.

Nearly 12.9 lakh voters in West Bengal await a decision on their voting rights for Wednesday's second and final phase of polling. Names cleared by tribunals by Monday will be added to supplementary lists, but low clearance rates in the first phase raise concerns for deleted voters. Significant deletions were reported across districts like North 24 Parganas and Kolkata.

Violence and vandalism marred the early hours of West Bengal's second phase assembly elections. Incidents included an assault on a BJP polling agent in Chapra, vandalism of a BJP camp office in Shantipur, and alleged obstruction of an ISF agent in Bhangar. Voting delays were also reported, prompting officials to ensure free and fair elections.