Sporadic violence mars bypolls in Bengal, turnout 70%; Opposition accuses TMC of rigging

Until 5 pm, turnout across the six constituencies stood at 69.29%, according to Election Commission. The highest voter turnout of 75.20% was recorded in Taldangra in Bankura district, while the lowest was in Naihati in North 24 Parganas at 62.10%.

Voting began in Bengal's six Assembly segments. (File photo)

Amid deployment of 108 companies of CAPF, sporadic violence marred bypolls to six Assembly seats in West Bengal Wednesday with Opposition parties accusing TMC of rigging the polls.

Until 5 pm, turnout across the six constituencies stood at 69.29%, according to Election Commission. The highest voter turnout of 75.20% was recorded in Taldangra in Bankura district, while the lowest was in Naihati in North 24 Parganas at 62.10%.

In Jagaddal, adjoining the Naihati constituency where polling was underway, a TMC worker was shot dead. While police said the TMC worker’s murder was not linked to the by-elections, the EC has sought a report from the district administration.

Meanwhile, several complaints were lodged to the EC, mainly by the Opposition parties. The EC said that it has received 80 complaints.

Citing the incident in Madarihat where the car of party candidate Rahul Lohar was allegedly vandalised while he was visiting a polling booth, the BJP alleged that their candidates and polling agents were being harassed and intimidated by the ruling TMC workers.

At a booth in Gosainmari area of Sitai Assembly seat, local TMC leader Motiur Rehman allegedly threatened a polling agent. The video has gone viral.“I give you 30 minutes to leave. Or I will kill you,” Rehman could be heard saying in presence of Jagdish Prasad Basunia, Lok Sabha MP from Cooch Behar in the purported video.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, shared videos on X, alleging that bike-borne miscreants were seen threatening BJP workers in Sitai on Tuesday night. “This is the illustration of ‘Real Democracy’ under Mamata’s Rule. TMC lumpens are visiting BJP workers’ homes in Sitai Assembly constituency and threatening them before the by-election,” Adhikari said on X.

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“Mamata’s police are adopting desperate measures to influence the voting process…” he said. TMC minister Rathin Ghosh said, “The Central forces are working as BJP agents. The Opposition has no connection with the people. That is why they failed to deploy polling agents in all booths.”

Ravik Bhattacharya

Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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