West Bengal's First Phase Voting Concludes Amidst Violence and Allegations
First Phase Voting Completed
The initial phase of voting in West Bengal has concluded amidst reports of violence and accusations. By 5 PM, approximately 3.6 crore voters had participated, resulting in a voter turnout of around 89.93%. Throughout the day, there were reports of sporadic violence, including attacks on three candidates. The fate of 1,478 candidates contesting across 152 assembly seats is now sealed in the electronic voting machines, with results expected on May 4.
Attacks on Candidates
According to the Election Commission, the voting process was largely peaceful. However, there were incidents of violence, including a scuffle involving BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar in Kumarganj, South Dinajpur. He was reportedly chased and attacked in the fields. Additionally, in Asansol South, the car of BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul was targeted, resulting in a shattered rear window due to stone pelting.
Tensions Rise in Naoda
In Naoda, tensions escalated following an attack on the convoy of Humayun Kabir, leader of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party. Security personnel resorted to baton charges as the situation heated up, leading to clashes between TMC and Aam Janata Unnayan Party workers.
Clashes Reported in Birbhum
In Birbhum district, there were reports of clashes and allegations of voter intimidation. In Khoirasol, rumors circulated that votes cast for TMC had been transferred to BJP, prompting locals to gather outside polling booths and engage in heated discussions with officials, temporarily halting voting. In the Bodhpura village of the Dubrajpur assembly constituency, a crowd attacked CAPF personnel, leading to the use of force by security forces to disperse them.
Allegations of Violence and Intimidation
Reports indicated that BJP polling agents faced attacks from TMC workers in Labhpur and Chanchal, Malda. In Domkal, voters were reportedly obstructed from casting their votes, necessitating their escort to polling stations under security. A clash between TMC and Congress supporters in Murai resulted in injuries to two individuals. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused TMC of orchestrating violence, claiming that criminals under TMC's protection were intimidating voters. Conversely, TMC accused BJP of attempting to disrupt the electoral process. The Election Commission noted that by noon, they had received 375 complaints through the C-Vigil app, along with an additional 500 grievances.
Voter Turnout Highlights
West Bengal has a total of 294 assembly seats, with voting taking place in 152 seats across 16 districts during this phase. A total of 1,478 candidates, including 167 women, had their fates decided in the electronic voting machines. The primary contest is between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to the Election Commission's data, the highest voter turnout of 93.12% was recorded in South Dinajpur by 5 PM.
Significance of This Phase for BJP
In Murshidabad, the turnout was around 91%, while Bankura and Cooch Behar saw 92%. Malda, Jhargram, and West Medinipur recorded approximately 90% voting, and Kalimpong had about 81%. This phase included voting for all 54 seats in North Bengal, totaling 152 seats. In the previous election, BJP secured 59 seats while TMC won 93, with BJP only managing to win 18 seats elsewhere in Bengal. Thus, this initial phase is crucial for BJP.