The Trinamool Congress staged a protest in Kolkata, alleging EVM tampering and procedural lapses in strongrooms before the West Bengal assembly polls. The party accused the BJP and Election Commission of collusion, while the EC asserted the strongrooms were secure and footage showed routine postal ballot segregation.
Mamata Banerjee, TMC supremo and candidate from Bhabanipur, accused the BJP of attempting to forcefully rig the West Bengal assembly elections as voting began in the second and final phase across 142 constituencies. Over 3.2 crore electors are eligible to vote across 41,001 polling stations under tight security. Banerjee alleged central forces and poll observers were interfering at the BJP's behest, while BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari accused her of bringing a large entourage to intimidate voters. Voting continues till 6pm with results due on May 4.
Voting for the final phase of West Bengal Assembly Elections began in North 24 Parganas on Wednesday. BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, flagged a potential issue with an EVM button while casting her vote, stating she would inform election officials. She thanked early voters and urged others to participate, expressing hope for justice in this high-profile contest. Over 3.22 crore voters are eligible to vote across 41,001 polling stations.
West Bengal heads to the second and final phase of assembly polls on Wednesday with 142 constituencies across eight districts going to vote. Over 32 million voters are expected to participate in this phase covering Kolkata North, Kolkata South, North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Nadia and Howrah. Outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and outgoing Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari are among the high-profile candidates in the fray. Around 2,500 companies of central police forces and motorbike quick response teams have been deployed for security.
Trinamool Congress alleged that BJP supporters attacked MP Mitali Bag's car in Arambag constituency on the final day of campaigning for West Bengal Assembly polls phase 2. TMC claims her car was vandalized, windshield smashed, and glass pierced her body. The party accused Amit Shah of issuing threats that were "acted upon" and called it an attempt on an elected MP's life. Four individuals were arrested earlier in connection with violent clashes between TMC and BJP supporters in Jagatdal. Polling is scheduled for April 29 with vote counting on May 4.
