A joint operation by Kolkata Police, Paschim Medinipur Police, and central security forces conducted an overnight search at the Kalighat residence of TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee, sparking political controversy. Police stated the search was linked to a land-related case at Salboni police station, seeking an aide of Banerjee.
The Election Commission is retaining around 70,000 central forces personnel in West Bengal ahead of May 4 counting day to prevent post-poll violence, particularly in areas with history of violence. This follows the 2021 post-poll violence that saw 1,934 incidents including 29 murders, 12 sexual assaults, and 940 arson cases, with only 1,345 of 9,304 accused persons arrested.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a strong room in Kolkata on Thursday to raise concerns about alleged EVM tampering, accusing Central forces of obstruction and the Election Commission of bias. Banerjee, contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, claimed her party received reports of manipulation across the state and warned of a 'life and death' fight if anyone tries to steal the EVM machines or counting. Exit polls project BJP victory, potentially ending TMC's 15-year rule. Counting is scheduled for May 4.
Elderly voters in Gaighata, West Bengal, were allegedly turned away from a polling station by central forces for wearing traditional lungis. The incident caused local protests, leading officials to eventually lift the restriction.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that CRPF personnel are showing bias toward a specific political party during ongoing elections. She also insisted that all voters waiting in line at closing time must be permitted to vote.
West Bengal's final phase of assembly polls in 142 constituencies across seven districts proceeds under unprecedented security - over 2.3 lakh CAPF personnel, 38,000 state police, and extensive arrests. Kolkata sees highest deployment with 274 companies (22,500 personnel) securing 5,172 booths. Over 800 arrests were made Monday night alone, with 2,348 alleged troublemakers jailed under EC directives in 72 hours. Nearly 12,000 of 41,001 booths are classified as critical.
TMC has accused BJP of issuing death threats against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing a social media post by BJP national spokesperson Alok Ajay using the phrase 'डरायेगा तो ठोकाएगा दीदी' (If you try to scare us, you will be shot dead, Didi). The controversy was triggered by a viral video showing Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma warning a TMC candidate during a raid in South 24 Parganas ahead of assembly polls. BJP rejected the charges, accusing TMC of misrepresenting remarks. Polling is scheduled for April 29 with results on May 4.
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are set for high-stakes assembly elections on April 23, with intense campaigns by national and regional parties. Over Rs 1,000 crore in inducements have been seized, and central forces are deployed in West Bengal. Key contests include Nandigram and the DMK vs. AIADMK battle in Tamil Nadu, with superstar Vijay's new party adding a twist.
