BJP Leader Alleges Intimidation Tactics Amid Violence on First Day of Polling in West Bengal

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th April. Amid reports of violence erupting during the first day of polling for the Lok Sabha election in West Bengal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Agnimitra Paul has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of resorting to strong-arm tactics to silence opposition voices. Paul’s comments come in the wake of clashes between BJP and TMC workers in several areas of the state.

The first phase of polling in West Bengal witnessed sporadic incidents of violence, particularly in Cooch Behar, one of the three seats in north Bengal voting in this phase, alongside Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Altercations between supporters of rival parties led to clashes, prompting both sides to file numerous complaints regarding violence and voter intimidation.

Despite these reports, a senior polling officer stated that while they received some complaints, there were no confirmed reports of violence.

At the eight-hour mark since the commencement of voting, the three Bengal seats had recorded a turnout of 66.3%. Notably, all three constituencies polling in the first phase are reserved, with Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri designated for Scheduled Castes and Alipurduar for Scheduled Tribes. Among the candidates vying for victory, Union Minister Nisith Pramanik stands out, contesting for the BJP in Cooch Behar.

A video statement shared by news agency PTI captured Agnimitra Paul’s assertion that West Bengal has descended into chaos akin to Bihar and Kashmir, with allegations of kidnapping of booth presidents and rampant rigging. Paul, an MLA from Asansol South, is herself contesting the Lok Sabha polls as BJP’s candidate in Medinipur.

The political blame game ensued swiftly, with Trinamool’s north Bengal Development minister Udayan Guha accusing the BJP and central forces of unleashing a “reign of terror” to sway the elections. In response, the BJP refuted the allegations, asserting that TMC workers were targeting them and even assaulting mediapersons in some instances.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah weighed in on the matter via social media, urging voters to support a government committed to poverty alleviation, preventing infiltration, and combating corruption. Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh fired back, attributing the responsibility of preventing infiltration to the Home Minister’s office and the Border Security Force (BSF), while touting TMC’s achievements in poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment.

As West Bengal grapples with electoral tensions and allegations of violence, the first phase of polling sets the stage for a fiercely contested battle for supremacy in the state.