Violence, EVM Glitches Mar Bengal Phase 2 Polling
Clashes, vandalism and political accusations erupt across multiple constituencies during crucial final voting phase
- Violence reported in Chapra, Shantipur, Bhangar and Kolkata
- BJP and TMC trade allegations over booth disruptions
- EVM malfunction complaints surface in Howrah
- Mamata Banerjee accuses central forces of bias
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 29th April: West Bengal’s second and final phase of Assembly polling on Wednesday witnessed widespread reports of violence, vandalism, booth-level clashes and electronic voting machine (EVM) glitches across several constituencies, intensifying the already charged political battle between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.
Incidents were reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Bhangar and parts of Kolkata, where party workers and polling agents allegedly faced assaults, intimidation and forced removal from polling booths.
In Entally, BJP candidate Priyanka Tibrewal was involved in a heated confrontation with polling officials and security personnel after her polling representative was reportedly removed from a booth due to space constraints.
In Nadia’s Chapra constituency, a BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted, with the BJP accusing Trinamool-linked workers of orchestrating the attack. The ruling party denied involvement.
Reports of EVM malfunctions also emerged from Howrah, reviving political tensions over electoral transparency.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized central security forces, accusing them of acting in favour of the BJP and interfering with free voting.
She also alleged that external observers and security personnel were exceeding their mandate and creating fear among voters.
The BJP, meanwhile, accused the ruling party of voter suppression, booth intimidation and orchestrated violence.
The second phase is crucial in determining control over West Bengal, with results scheduled for May 4.
The election continues under the shadow of the controversial voter roll revision that removed over 90 lakh names, further heightening political polarization.
