Mamata Banerjee alleges harassment of Trinamool Congress workers by EC, CRPF during Bengal polls

Kolkata: Claiming there is an attempt to bulldoze democracy, Bhabanipur candidate and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and CRPF were openly harassing her party workers and threatening them in various parts of Kolkata. Polling began peacefully in 142 constituencies across South Bengal, while Kolkata is set to cast its votes.

In an unprecedented instance, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was out on the roads in her constituency from early morning. "We want peaceful elections and want people to cast their votes peacefully. Various police officers have been brought in. The whole night they have been torturing and threatening people. There is torture across Bengal and observers have created an environment of fear," Banerjee said.

"At night, CRPF personnel without state police and local police went to the residence of our councillor Babai. His wife was alone with the child. Her mobile phone was snatched, and she was threatened that Babai should not work," Banerjee alleged.

"We have sent a contempt of court notice, yet police observers have been brought in here. They are clearly working according to the BJP," Banerjee said. "If you go to Chakraberia, you will see that all our posters have been removed. Is this the way elections are meant to be conducted? It is not the police and security forces, but the people who will cast their vote," Banerjee said.

"Is there goondaraj prevailing? Election is a festival of democracy. The officer-in-charge of Bijoygarh police station has beaten our workers," Banerjee said.

Polling began peacefully for the second phase in Bengal, with turnout recorded till 9.30 am. One incident was reported in Nadia, where a BJP booth agent was attacked and injured. In Arambagh, a scuffle was reported between Trinamool Congress and ISF workers.

Out of a total of 1,448 candidates, 220 are women and 1,228 are men. More than 32 million people are expected to participate in the second phase, including over 16.4 million male voters, 15.7 million female voters, and 792 transgender voters. The smallest constituency in terms of electorate is Bhatpara, while the largest is Chunchura.

Around 2,500 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed, along with motorbike Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to ensure security and prompt action in the narrow lanes of Kolkata and adjoining areas.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, in a message to the people of the state, said, "We have made all arrangements for free, fair and peaceful polls. More than 2,500 companies of CAPF have been deployed, and I have personally spoken to all SPs and CPs. 100% webcasting has been arranged. I urge all to come and exercise their statutory rights. If anyone is stopping you, do not pay heed to it, as nobody will be able to harm you."