Kolkata, Apr 29 (BNP): West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to “forcefully rig the election” during polling in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters while visiting polling booths in her constituency, Banerjee alleged incidents of violence against party workers and disruption of the democratic process. She claimed that one of her party workers had been assaulted overnight and termed the incidents an attack on the “festival of democracy.”
She further alleged that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the BJP and intimidating Trinamool Congress workers during polling hours.
The BJP strongly denied the allegations, with senior leader Suvendu Adhikari accusing the Trinamool Congress of trying to create fear among voters.
Meanwhile, scattered incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of the state, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar, during the early hours of polling. Election authorities said the situation remained under close watch, with extensive deployment of security personnel to ensure peaceful voting.
The second phase of polling covers 142 constituencies and is being seen as crucial in deciding the political future of the state. Voting began at 7:00 AM and will continue till the scheduled closing hours.
