West Bengal Panchayat Election Highlights: Tripura CM accuses TMC of perpetrating violence in West Bengal panchayat polls

West Bengal Panchayat Polls Highlights: Among those killed were seven workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress, two from the CPI(M), one each from the BJP and Congress, and one person with no political affiliations

Violent clashes marred polling in West Bengal Panchayat elections today. (Express Photo)

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West Bengal Panchayat Election 2023 Highlights: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has accused the TMC of violating the democratic process during the West Bengal panchayat elections and asked his counterpart to “learn” from the northeastern state “how to ensure free, fair and peaceful” elections. In addition, Saha expressed shock upon hearing of the deaths of 12 people during the rural polls in West Bengal, alleging that these reports of violence are evidence of “democracy being murdered there”.

Yesterday, at least thirteen people were allegedly killed in West Bengal as widespread violence roiled the polling process in Panchayat elections today. Polling booths were vandalised and ballot papers set on fire at places as people queued up to vote for the crucial three-tier panchayat polls, which serve as a litmus test for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Among those killed were seven workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress, two from the CPI(M), one each from the BJP and Congress, and one person with no political affiliations, officials said, adding that the men had been hacked, shot or hit by crude bombs.

The opposition BJP tore into the TMC for the violence and said the State Election Commissioner had failed to hold the polls in a free and fair manner. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari demanded that President’s Rule be imposed. The Trinamool Congress, on the other hand, questioned where the central forces brought in for the elections were. Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim, meanwhile, shared a video of open ballot boxes lying in a field and tweeted, “Vote is over! Condition of the ballots, ballot boxes in one of the booths. Btw this pic is from Diamond Harbour.”

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose met people in various districts to take stock of the situation. Condemning the violent incidents, he said: “It should cause concern to all of us. This is the most sacred day for democracy… Election must be through ballots and not bullets…” Amid reports claiming absence of Central forces at some polling booths, State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha sought details on the number and the position of the personnel from all the district magistrates.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More

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