The civic polls to two Municipal Corporations and certain other local bodies in West Bengal on Saturday was marred by unprecedented violence with several incidents of intimidation of voters at polling venues, attacks on polling agents and even candidates.
The violence was so overwhelming that the State’s ruling party Trinamool Congress (TMC) against whom the majority of allegations were directed at, was forced to admit that “large number of outsiders were present” in the areas that went to polls. Leaders of the ruling party said it should not be assumed that outsiders indulging in violence have been deployed at the behest of their candidates.
Though not more than two per cent of the State’s voters exercised their franchise in the polls, the elections assume significance by the overwhelming allegations of electoral malpractices and the visual proof of the violence.
Voters being shoved pushed and beaten, journalists being attacked, unidentified youths coming out of polling booths after being confronted by media persons was a recurring visual during the day in the satellite township of Bidhannagar.
While bombs were hurled at Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, at Asansol at least two voters sustained bullet injuries. Several motorcycles in the Kailhali area of the Bidhannagar were set on fire after clashes between supporters of TMC and Congress supporters.
There were reports of two persons being killed in State’s Murshidabad district where elections to several panchayats were held during the day.
The deaths occurred on Friday night. While the locals said that, the deceased were Congress supporters who were attacked by their political opponents, senior police officials said that the deceased were making crude bombs when explosions occurred.
According to the West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC), about 70 per cent votes were polled in the two municipal corporations and the other local bodies.
The political parties in Opposition, however, in unison demanded that the elections be cancelled and fresh polls be held in these areas.
Like earlier instances, officials of the WBSEC said that they have “received complaints of rigging and violence both from political parties and individuals including attack on journalists" and asked police to take necessary action.
At Bidhannagar, the attack of journalists also triggered a huge criticism from several corners including the Opposition.
Though those at the receiving end of the attack said that the perpetrators were from ruling party, senior TMC leader and Minister Partha Chatterjee condemned the attack.
“We condemn the attack on journalists. Chief Minister is looking into the matter and action will be taken against the culprits,” Mr Chatterjee said.
