West Bengal's second phase of Assembly elections witnessed a voter turnout of 61.11% until 1 pm, accompanied by rising tensions across multiple constituencies. The day was marked by clashes between supporters of rival political parties, lathi charge incidents, and numerous complaints regarding Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) malfunctions.
Clashes and Protests
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari faced protests during his visit to Kolkata, while Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised serious concerns over faulty voting machines. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of tampering with voting buttons, alleging deliberate attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that central forces were acting in favor of the BJP, intensifying the political battle on polling day. The TMC, in turn, accused the BJP of orchestrating violence and spreading misinformation. The Election Commission has taken note of the complaints and is investigating the reported EVM glitches.
In Nadia district, a BJP worker was reportedly targeted, leading to further tensions. The incident has been condemned by both parties, with demands for strict action against the perpetrators.
Overall, the second phase of voting in West Bengal has been characterized by high political drama and sporadic violence, reflecting the intense competition between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP.
