Sporadic violence as West Bengal votes in fifth phase of Assembly election

Sporadic violence as West Bengal votes in fifth phase of Assembly election

Aritra SinghaUpdated: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 01:58 PM IST
article-image
Maharashtra: Voting for Gram Panchayat elections begins in state | PTI File Photo

Kolkata: Sporadic incidents of violence were seen soon after the fifth phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections commenced on Saturday. The TMC and the BJP continue to spar, with accusations and even stones being hurled.

A woman was seen being beaten up by alleged TMC supporters at Shantinagar in Salt lake area. According to the woman, the TMC supporters were not allowing the BJP supporters to cast their votes.

“Since last night the TMC supporters were threatening us and are saying that if we go out to vote then we will have to face dire consequences after May 2. Then while protesting they abused and assaulted me,” she said.

Soon after the incident Shantinagar turned into a battlefield, with supporters of both parties pelting stones at each other. Neither the police nor the central forces were seen at the spot.

Soon after the incident Salt Lake’s BJP candidate Sabyasachi Dutta visited the spot and alleged that the state police are purposely allowing the TMC goons to create violence in the area. TMC candidate Sujit Bose has also cried foul against Sabyasachi, stating the BJP candidate’s supporters are creating tension.

Post this violence voters of Saltlake’s Shantinagar area under North 24 parganas, refused to cast their votes. However, police were seen building confidence and urged everyone to vote fearlessly.

Meanwhile, in Shantipur women were seen agitating in front of CISF personnel as according to them the central forces were allegedly intimidating the voters during the polls.

In Salt Lake’s Nayapatti BJP candidate Sabyasachi Dutta was gheraoed by common people amidst chants of ‘Joy Bangla’. However, state police escorting the BJP candidate left the spot.

Notably, an individual candidate at Chakdaha was seen carrying firearms in presence of both state police and central forces, however the candidate later surrendered the gun.

At Kalyani bombs were hurled at BJP mandal president’s house at the wee hours on Saturday. Following the incident the BJP cadre along with his family members didn’t go out to vote fearing more violence.

However, till 11 am North 24 parganas recorded 33.07 percent of votes Kalimpong recorded 34.69 percent of votes, Darjeeling recorded 34.33 percent, Jalpaiguri recorded 39.29 percent, East Burdwan recorded 38.07 percent of votes.

RECENT STORIES

Mansukh Mandaviya Utilises Artificial Intelligence To Streamline Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Campaign

Mansukh Mandaviya Utilises Artificial Intelligence To Streamline Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Campaign

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress To Release Its Election Manifesto In Jaipur

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Congress To Release Its Election Manifesto In Jaipur

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Uncertainty Looms Over Rae Bareli And Amethi Seats As Congress Delays...

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Uncertainty Looms Over Rae Bareli And Amethi Seats As Congress Delays...

Delhi Shocker: 5-Year-Old Girl Raped And Murdered, Body Found Hidden Inside Factory In Bawana;...

Delhi Shocker: 5-Year-Old Girl Raped And Murdered, Body Found Hidden Inside Factory In Bawana;...

Gujarat Shocker: Young Man's Corpse Mistakenly Handed Over As Spare Parts At Sardar Vallabhbhai...

Gujarat Shocker: Young Man's Corpse Mistakenly Handed Over As Spare Parts At Sardar Vallabhbhai...