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West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates: Heavy voting amidst sporadic violence, marked the second phase of polling to the West Bengal assembly, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the Election Commission over inaction to complaints filed by her party. As per reports, The Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging booth capturing by BJP workers in the Moyna constituency. “BJP workers are attempting to take control of EVM and are rigging the booth,” claims the complaint. “The CRPF deployed at the booth is not taking any action.” The Election Commission of India on Thursday sought a detailed report from the administration in connection with an incident of violence in Boyal area in Nandigram where Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee paid a visit to oversee the polling process. Amid incidents of stray violence in the high profile Nandigram constituency, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for “inaction” despite her party lodging several poll-related complaints and threatened to move the law courts over it. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday visited several booths across the high-profile Nandigram constituency, where she is pitted against her protege-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP, as sporadic incidents of violence and allegations of booth jamming marred the voting process in the second phase. As of 2 pm, Purba Medinipur has recorded the highest voter turnout at 60.32 percent, whereas, South 24 Parganas saw a turnout of 48.13 percent. Huge mob of BJP workers have entered booth number 6,7,49,27,162,21,26,13,262,256,163,20. BJP workers attempting to take control of EVM and rigging the booth, the TMC MP said. Wish Election Commission had put half as much effort into ensuring no EVM glitches as it did into transferring police officials, said Moitra. Till 12 pm, Pashcim Medinipur has recorded the highest voter turnout at 41.49 percent, whereas, South 24 Parganas saw a turnout of 27.05 percent. Uday Dobe was found hanging in his residence in Bhekutia triggering tension in the area amid the highprofile election in Nandigram, police said. Free and fair polls not being conducted here as TMC causing violence. Central forces inactive, said Pritish Ranjan Kuar, BJP candidate from Keshpur. According to the locals, the bombing that took place since last night, was carried out by BJP workers.They also said that there is minimal patrolling by central forces in the area. BJP’s heavyweight Nandigram candidate cast his vote soon after polling began on Thursday morning. He went to the Nandanayak Bar Primary School around 7.30 am to cast his vote. Polling will take place in nine seats of Paschim Medinipur district, eight in Bankura district, four seats in South 24 Parganas district and nine in Purba Medinipur district: the home ground of TMC turncoat and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Nandigram falls in Purba Medinipur district. The agrarian constituency which shook the foundations of the mighty Left regime over the anti-land acquisition movement in 2007, has now turned into a battleground of titans with Mamata suddenly deciding to switch from her Bhowanipur seat to the constituency held by Adhikari, her former lieutenant who has switched loyalty to the BJP. West Bengal is all set to go for voting on Thursday (1 April) in the second phase of Assembly elections. In phase two, 30 constituencies are up for grab with 171 candidates in the fray. Voting will take place across four districts — Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura and South 24 Parganas. Of the total 171 candidates, only 19 (11 percent) are women while 152 candidates are men. TMC and BJP are contesting in all the 30 seats, while CPM is in the fray in 15 and its alliance partners of United Front or Sanjukta Morcha the Congress and ISF are competing in 13 and two seats, respectively. According to the Election Commission, a total of 75,94,549 electors will exercise their franchise in the second phase of polling in 10,620 polling stations spread across the 30 constituencies. All 10,620 booths where polling will be held this phase have been declared as sensitive by the Election Commission, which has deployed around 651 companies of central forces to provide security, officials said. Besides, the state police will also be deployed at strategic locations during the polling which will begin at 7 am, they said. A total 199 companies of the Central Armed Police Force will be deployed in Purba Medinipur, 210 companies in Paschim Medinipur, 170 in South 24 Parganas and 72 in Bankura, the sources said. The Assembly constituency of Nandigram will also go to the polls in the second phase where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against Suvendu Adhikari, who left TMC and joined the BJP in December last year. Besides Mamata and Suvendu, Left front candidate Minakshi Mukherjee is also trying her luck from Nandigram. The Left has won this seat eight times, and while TMC won three times. List of constituencies that will go to polls in phase 2: The 30 Assembly seats voting on Thursday are — Gosaba (SC), Patharpratima, Kakdwip, Sagar, Tamluk, Panskura Purba, Panskura Paschim, Moyna, Nandakumar, Mahisadal, Haldia (SC), Nandigram, Chandipur, Kharagpur Sadar, Narayangarh, Sabang, Pingla, Debra, Daspur, Ghatal (SC), Chandrakona (SC), Keshpur (SC), Taldangra, Bankura, Barjora, Onda, Bishnupur, Katulpur (SC), Indas and Sonamukhi. Key candidates and seats Polling will take place amid strict COVID-19 guidelines in nine seats of Paschim Medinipur, eight in Bankura, four seats in South 24 Parganas and nine in Purba Medinipur - the home ground of TMC turncoat and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Nandigram falls in Purba Medinipur district. The agrarian constituency which shook the foundations of the mighty Left regime over the anti-land acquisition movement in 2007, has now turned into a battleground of titans with Banerjee suddenly deciding to switch from her Bhowanipur seat to the constituency held by Adhikari, her former lieutenant who has switched loyalty to the BJP. For Adhikari it is a battle for political survival as a defeat would be a devastating blow and might also put a question mark on his political graph in his new party the BJP. Similarly, a victory would not only establish him as one of the tallest leaders in Bengal but would also push him few miles ahead of others in the Chief Ministerial race in case the BJP is voted to power. For Banerjee, who is running for the third successive term as chief minister, a victory is a must to lead the government and keep together her party, which is faced with exodus. For the Congress-Left-ISF alliance candidate Minakshi Mukherjee of CPI-M, the challenge is to regain her party’s lost ground. Another prominent seat going to the poll in the second phase is Sabang, where TMC has fielded its Rajya Sabha MP Manas Bhunia. He is up against TMC turncoat and BJP leader Amulya Maity. Bhunia, a former state Congress president, had held the seat from 1982 to 016 as Congress nominee before switching over to the TMC in September 2016. TMC has fielded actor Sayantika Banerjee, a popular face on the Bengali silver screen, from Bankura seat against BJP’s Niladri Sekhar Dana. The Sanjukta Morcha has fielded Congress candidate Radharani Banerjee. In Debra seat, two former IPS officers will cross swords. One is BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh who is contesting against TMC’s Humayun Kabir. Both had resigned from their senior police posts to join active politics. TMCs’s daughter vs BJP’s Sonar Bangla Campaigning for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly poll had ended on Tuesday evening with the final day seeing a hectic canvassing for the Nandigram seat in the Purba Medinipur district. Union Home Minister Amit Shah held roadshows with Bengal’s megastar Mithun Chakraborty in support of Adhikari in Nandigram during the day, while Banerjee, who is confined to a wheelchair following her injury which she had sustained while campaigning in the constituency, crisscrossed it addressing rallies at several venues. IOn the last day of campaigning, the feisty politician held two back-to-back rallies in Paschim Medinipur despite the early summer heat urging people to vote for TMC so that the development work taken up there by the government continued. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee toured the rest asserting that TMC will not let Bengal to be ruled from Delhi or Gujarat in an apparent reference to the battery of central BJP leaders and ministers camping in the state. “Bangla wants her own daughter (Mamata). So vote for her,” Abhishek urged in his meetings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah and BJP national president JP Nadda had led BJP’s campaign from the front addressing rallies at Kanthi and Nandigram and urging the electorate to vote for the saffron party to usher in ‘ashol poriborton’ (actual change) to build ‘Sonar Bangla’(prosperous Bengal). Modi in his rallies had attacked the TMC government and Banerjee, accusing her of “appeasement politics” and asserting that “khela shesh hobe” (game will be over). Other star campaigners of the BJP stressed on scams allegedly involving the ruling Trinamool Congress — from the Saradha and Narada tape scam to the recent allegations over the siphoning of funds for Amphan relief and the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlighted the achievements of the BJP-led government at the Centre in their rallies and blamed the TMC government for not allowing schemes like the Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to be implemented in the state, where the BJP leaders claimed corruption and anarchy are prevalent. Documents to carry for identification at polling stations: Here is a list of documents voters can carry for identification at polling stations. Carry any of these mentioned identity proofs while voting. 1) Voter ID card 2) PAN Card 3) Driving License 4) Indian Passport 5) MNREGA Job Card 6) Bank/Post Office Passbooks with photograph 7) Pension document with photograph 8)Service Identity Cards with photograph issued by Central/State Govt/PSUs/Public Limited Companies With inputs from PTI
West Bengal Election 2021 Updates: Sporadic violence mars second phase polling; over 80% voter turnout recorded so far
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates: An agitated Banerjee slammed the EC for not taking any action despite lodging several complaints and threatened to move court over it. Amongst the complaints were allegations of “booth capturing” and massive fake voting in Boyal
 "West Bengal Election 2021 Updates: Sporadic violence mars second phase polling; over 80% voter turnout recorded so far")
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC orders 2 election observers to send report on Mamata’s complaints on Nandigram polling
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday asked two poll observers to submit a report on complaints by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee as the state witnessed the second phase of voting across 30 assembly seats in the assembly elections.
“A separate hand written complaint was received from Hon’ble Chief Minister via CEO West Bengal today in the late afternoon. The same has been forwarded to Special General Observer Shri Ajay Nayak and Special Police Observer Shri Vivek Dube under intimation to CEO. They have been asked to send a report by tomorrow 6pm,” the poll body said in a statement.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC writes to EC, alleges CRPF men misbehaved with women voters in Nandigram
Alleging that a few Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on Thursday “misbehaved” with women voters at a polling booth in Bengal’s Nandigram constituency, the TMC urged the Election Commission to take immediate action against the offenders.
In a letter to the poll panel, the ruling party claimed that CRPF personnel, posted at booth number 197 in Nandigram, were seen exhibiting improper behaviour, with some even intimidating women.
Such conduct by the CRPF men deployed on polling duty represents “their partisan conduct which is prejudicial for the Trinamool”, the letter said.
The party demanded that the security team, seen “misbehaving” at the polling station, be immediately replaced and strict action be taken against the accused personnel.
-PTI
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
80.43% turnout recorded in West Bengal till 5.45 pm
As per EC’s Voter Turnout application, Bankura district, with 82.78 percent, witnessed the highest turnout while South 24 Parganas registered the lowest turnout at 79.66 percent till 5.45 pm
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC files complaint with EC against BJP workers
As per reports, The Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging booth capturing by BJP workers in the Moyna constituency.
“BJP workers are attempting to take control of EVM and are rigging the booth,” claims the complaint. “The CRPF deployed at the booth is not taking any action.”
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Bengal sees 76.26% of voter turnout till 5 pm
As per latest figures from the EC’s voter turnout app, West Bengal has recorded 76.26 percent turnout till 5 pm. Volatile constituency Nandigram has recorded 69.53 percent of voter turnout till 5 pm.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Will check all footage, take appropriate steps: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee asks Amit Shah to “control goons who are heckling woman journalists in rallies”, says she cannot reveal what she discussed with the election observer and the governor. “I haven’t seen such a bad election,” Banerjee said, according to ANI.When asked if an FIR will be filed over allegations of booth rigging at Boyal polling booth where she visited, Banerjee said, “We will check all footage of the polling booth and take appropriate steps.”
We will check all footage of the polling booth and take appropriate steps: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee when asked if any FIR will be done on allegations of booth rigging at Boyal polling booth where she visited.#Nandigram
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata is ‘insulting voters’, says Suvendu Adhikari
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari attacks West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for calling Governor Jagdeep Dhankar from Nandigram, reports ANI. “She’s insulting voters,” he claims. “It has become her habit to insult people of Nandigram. She received injuries in an accident but levelled allegations. Governor’s is a constitutional post, she can speak to him, no problem. The Election Commission conducts polls, not governor or president.”
She's insulting voters. It has become her habit to insult people of Nandigram. She received injuries in an accident but levelled allegations. Governor's is a constitutional post, she can speak to him, no problem. EC conducts polls, not Governor or President: Suvendu Adhikari, BJP pic.twitter.com/CULlRUI0Md
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
People of Bengal have decided, ‘did must go’: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday while addressing a rally in Uluberia said that “Didi must go”.
“People of Bengal have decided — Didi must go. People of Nandigram have fulfilled this dream today. People can’t wait any longer to save their future & identity. They are not just participating in polling, they are paving the way for renaissance in Bengal,” he said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC seeks report over violence during polling in Bengal’s Nandigram
The Election Commission of India on Thursday sought a detailed report from the administration in connection with an incident of violence in Boyal area in Nandigram where Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee paid a visit to oversee the polling process.
The West Bengal chief minister visited several booths across the high-profile Nandigram constituency, where she is pitted against her former lieutenant Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP.
As soon as Banerjee reached Boyal, BJP supporters started chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans.
Supporters of the two parties then indulged in violence, as TMC leaders demanded re-polling in booth number 7, police said. Central forces tried to restore law and peace in the area.
-PTI
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Ruckus continues near polling booth in Debra
Ruckus continues near a polling booth in Debra constituency of West Bengal where local residents had alleged that outsiders were being called in to create a ruckus, reports ANI. Some of the voters say they want BJP’s Bharti Ghosh, who is contesting the seat, to leave.
BJP candidate from Debra constituency of West Bengal alleges that people are not being allowed to vote, were beaten up and made to leave, reports ANI. “Those who weren’t allowed to vote blocked my way and narrated their ordeal,” she says. “That’s why I called election agent here. Unnecessary havoc being created so that I get stuck.”
WB: Ruckus near a polling booth in Debra, security forces present. Voters say, "Parties called goons from outside. We're locals, why will we create unrest? Candidate brought people here, she wants to create issue."
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
BJP's Bharti Ghosh & TMC's Humayun Kabir contesting from here. pic.twitter.com/1losvWUkXr
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata has problems with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims West Bengal Chief Minister has problems with “Jai Shri Ram” slogans, while speaking at a Bengal rally on Thursday. He further said, “Entire Bengal knows it. Didi has issues with Durga idol immersion. Entire Bengal knows it. Didi has now problems with vermillion & saffron cloth. Didi’s men now call chotiwalas as rakshasa”
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Bengal sees 71.01% of voter turnout till 3:30 pm
As per latest figures from the EC’s voter turnout app, West Bengal has recorded 71.07 percent turnout till 3:30 pm. Volatile constituency Nandigram has recorded 69.53 percent of voter turnout till 3:30 pm.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata calls Guv over TMC, BJP workers clash
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calls Governor Jagdeep Dhankar after TMC workers clash with BJP supporters, reports NDTV. She alleged that goons “from other states are creating a ruckus”.
#WATCH: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee speaks to Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar over the phone at a polling booth in Nandigram. She says, "...They didn't allow the local people to cast their vote. From morning I am campaigning...Now I am appealing to you, please see..." pic.twitter.com/mjsNQx38BB
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata slams EC for inaction on poll complaints, threatens to move court
Amid incidents of stray violence in the high profile Nandigram constituency, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday slammed the Election Commission for “inaction” despite her party lodging several poll-related complaints and threatened to move the law courts over it, reports PTI.
“We have lodged 63 complaints since morning. But no action has been taken. We will move court over it. This is unacceptable,” the chief minister said sitting in a wheelchair outside booth 7 in Boyal in Nandigram. “The EC is working on the instructions of Amit Shah,” she alleged.
“Goons from other states creating ruckus here,” she added. The TMC chief has been complaining for long alleging that her rivals have brought in goons from other states to intimidate voters. Banerjee is pitted against her former lieutenant Suvendu Adhikari, who has crossed over to the BJP for the prestigious Nandigram constituency.
The TMC leadership, which has sought re-polling in booth number 7 at Boyal, also claimed that party activists were beaten up by BJP supporters. Adhikari denied the allegations levelled by the TMC and claimed the ruling party has lost it sensing defeat.
People who are raising slogans are outsiders. They came from Bihar and UP, they are being protected by Central Forces: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/0O41esAIDD
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Suvendu Adhikari convoy pelted with stones at 2 places
Suvendu Adhikari’s convoy was allegedly attacked with stones at two places while visiting booths in the assembly constituency. His motorcade was also gheraoed as TMC supporters shouted slogans against the BJP leader.
Security forces patrolling the area dispersed the mob, making way for his convoy to move onwards.
“I am used to such protests by TMC goons. They are all followers of Mamata begum (Banerjee). Let them do whatever they want till the results are out on May 2,” Adhikari told reporters.
According to TMC sources, Banerjee, who was scheduled to leave the area for campaigning in North Bengal after end of polling at 6.30 pm, changed her plans this morning.
The entire Nandigram constituency has been placed under Section 144 to avoid any untoward incident.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata visits booths amid reports of jamming
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday visited several booths across the high-profile Nandigram constituency, where she is pitted against her protege-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP, as sporadic incidents of violence and allegations of booth jamming marred the voting process in the second phase, reports PTI
After monitoring the situation in the assembly segment, where local TMC leaders complained that their election agents were not being allowed to enter booths, Banerjee left her rented residence at Reyapara around 1 pm. She then visited polling centres at Sonachura, Reyapara, Balarampur, Boyal, Nandigram block 1 and 2.
“She will also travel to various villages and booths in areas where there have been reports of threats, intimidation and jamming,” Banerjee’’s election agent Sheikh Sufiyan said.
In the Boyal area in Nandigram, villagers alleged that BJP supporters stopped them from going to polling booths. As soon as Banerjee reached Boyal, BJP supporters chanted ‘‘Jai Shri Ram’’ slogans.
Supporters of the two parties then indulged in violence, as TMC leaders demanded re-polling in booth number 7, police said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP candidate’s car vandalised, 3 held
BJP candidate from Keshpur assembly constituency Tanmay Ghosh’s vehicle was on Thursday vandalised allegedly by supporters of the Trinamool Congress, police said. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, they said.
An unidentified group of people attacked Ghosh’s vehicle with bricks and bamboo sticks, and also vandalised cars of media personnel, a police officer said. A team of central forces have reached the spot, an Election Commission official said. The EC has also sought a report from the administration.
A TMC worker identified as Uttam Dolui was stabbed to death late last night in Keshpur area in Paschim Medinipur district, hours before polling started in the area.
-PTI
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits a polling booth in Nandigram
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits a polling booth in Nandigram.
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
She is contesting against BJP's Suvendu Adhikari, from the constituency in #WestBengalElections2021 pic.twitter.com/W5IP6bjfyY
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
58.15% turnout recorded till 2 pm
According to the voter turnout trends released by the Election Commission till 2 pm, West Bengal recorded a poll percent of 58.15 percent. Purba Medinipur has recorded the highest at 60.32 percent, whereas, South 24 Parganas saw a turnout of 48.13 percent.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP workers resort to booth capturing, EVM rigging in Nandigram: Derek O’Brien to EC
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission alleging that BJP workers in Nandigram Assembly seat attempted to capture poll booths and tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
“Huge mob of BJP workers have entered booth number 6,7,49,27,162,21,26,13,262,256,163,20. BJP workers attempting to take control of EVM and rigging the booth,” he said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram as polling for phase 2 is underway
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was in Nandigram constituency on Thursday, as the second phase of polling for Assembly elections is underway.
Mamata decided to stay at her war room in the Reyapara area during the polls in Nandigramwhere she is locked in a fierce prestige battle with confidante-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP.
She is monitoring the situation in the high-profile constituency where polling began at 7 am as local TMC leaders complained of their election agents not being allowed to enter several booths, according to the party sources.
#WATCH West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram assembly constituency, as the second phase of polling for Assembly elections is underway pic.twitter.com/Rw7KGLZFCo
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
More than 150 EVMs malfunctioning since voting for phase 2 started: Mahua Moitra
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday alleged that over 150 Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are malfunctioning since the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday.
“Wish @ECISVEEP had put half as much effort into ensuring no EVM glitches as it did into transferring police officials,” said Moitra.
More than 150 EVM machines malfunctioning since Phase II voting started this morning
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) April 1, 2021
Wish @ECISVEEP had put half as much effort into ensuring no EVM glitches as it did into transferring police officials ..
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Bengal reports sporadic skirmishes, registers 37.4% turnout so far
The second phase of polling in West Bengal’s eight-phase elections, including in the high-stakes Nandigram seat, recorded a high voter turnout of 37.4 percent till 11 am.
Though the situation was tense in a few areas with a few skirmishes reported, tight security cover in all 30 constituencies which went to polls averted any major incidents.
“We have 37.42 percent voter turnout till 11 am in all seats where polling is underway for the second phase. The polling so far has been peaceful,” an Election Commission official said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP leader detained in Debra for coming within 100 m of pooling booth
Police on Thursday said it has detained a local BJP leader for allegedly coming within 100 metres of a pooling booth in Debra.
Mohan Singh, Dakshin Mandal Sabhapati of the BJP, however, claimed that he was called there by saffron party candidate Bharati Ghosh.
Ghosh, a former IPS officer, alleged that TMC workers beat up Singh and chased him away. “I have complained to the presiding officer that our party agents are not being allowed to sit at the polling booths. TMC activists are intimidating our agents,” she said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
37.42% turnout recorded till 12 pm
According to the voter turnout trends released by the Election Commission till 12 pm, West Bengal recorded a poll percent of 37.42 percent. Pashcim Medinipur has recorded the highest at 41.49 percent, whereas, South 24 Parganas saw a turnout of 27.05 percent.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee to spend polling day in Nandigram
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee decided to stay at her war room in the Reyapara area during the polls on Thursday in the Nandigram Assembly constituency where she is locked in a fierce prestige battle with confidante-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP.
She is monitoring the situation in the high-profile constituency where polling began at 7 am as local TMC leaders complained of their election agents not being allowed to enter several booths, according to the party sources.
There have been no reports of violence or clashes among political activists in the constituency, barring an incident in the Bhimkata area in Nandigram where the BJP candidate faced an agitation by a group of TMC workers who shouted slogans against him, an Election Commission official said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP worker found dead in Purba Medinipur’s Bhekutia
A BJP worker died by suicide on Thursday in Bhekutia area of Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, reported News18.
Uday Dobe was found hanging in his residence triggering tension in the area amid the highprofile election in Nandigram, police said.
His family alleged that Dobe took the step after receiving threats from local TMC workers.
#ElectionsWithNews18 |A BJP Worker Uday Dobe found hanging in his residence in Bhekutia district of Nandigram.
— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 1, 2021
Family alleges that it is due to the threats from local TMC workers that he committed suicide, #BattleForBengal @Sougata_Mukh shares details with @AnchorAnandN pic.twitter.com/krqSvomenN
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP polling agent ‘beaten up’ by TMC workers in Keshpur
A woman polling agent of BJP at booth no 173 in Keshpur was allegedly beaten up by TMC workers on Thursday. Local BJP leader Tanmay Ghosh’s car has been vandalised, ANI reported.
“Free and fair polls not being conducted here as TMC causing violence. Central forces inactive,” said Pritish Ranjan Kuar, BJP candidate from Keshpur.
West Bengal: BJP polling agent at booth number 173 in Keshpur beaten up allegedly by TMC workers. The polling agent has been rushed to a hospital. BJP leader Tanmay Ghosh's car vandalised
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
Details awaited
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Bombing in Nandigram’s Sonachura since last night, say local reports
Amid the ongoing West Bengal Assembly polls, bombs were hurled in Sonachura area of Nandigram on Wednesday and Thursday, according to local reports.
According to the locals, the bombing that took place since last night, was carried out by BJP workers.
“The BJP carried out the bombing. The bombing took place at night and in the morning. We couldn’t go to the polling booth out of fear. The Central Force did not come either. People of Suvendu carried out the bombing,” the locals claimed.
However, the BJP leadership in the area denied the allegations.
সোনাচূড়া ও কালীচরণপুরে বুধবার রাতে থেকেই শুরু হয়েছে বোমাবাজি। ঘটনায় থমথমে পরিস্থিতি।#Nandigram #kalicharanpur #sonachura #WestBengalElections2021 #neelbarirloraihttps://t.co/jGqstPHp3I
— anandabazar.com (@MyAnandaBazar) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah appeals to people of Bengal, Assam to vote in large numbers
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday appealed to the people of West Bengal and Assam to vote in large numbers in the second phase of polling for the Assembly elections.
In separate tweets, Shah said people’s participation in the election process will ensure peace and prosperity in the two states.
“As the voting for the 2nd phase begins in West Bengal, I appeal to everyone to vote in large numbers. Your one vote can bring decisive change. So, come out and vote for a safer and prosperous Bengal,” he said.
In another tweet, Shah said, “Today is the second phase of polling in Assam and I appeal to everyone to cast their vote without fail. A special appeal to our young voters to exercise their franchise for a peaceful and self-reliant Assam.”
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Confident Nandigram seat will go to BJP, says Suvendu after casting vote
BJP’s heavyweight Nandigram candidate Suvendu Adhikary cast his vote soon after polling began on Thursday morning. He went to the Nandanayak Bar Primary School around 7.30 am to cast his vote.
Speaking to reporters, he said that he was confident that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is contesting the elections against him from the Nandigram seat, will lose the polls.
“I have a very old relationship with the people of the area. I have a personal relationship with almost every person in Nandigram. Pretty confident that I will win the election. Entire villages have come out to vote in favour of the BJP,” he said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
0.25% voter turnout as of 9 am
According to the Election Commission, West Bengal recorded a voter percentage of 0.25 percent as of 9 am on Thursday in the second phase of Assembly polls.
Of the four districts voting today, Bankura registered 1.20 percent voter turnout while, South 24 Parganas recorded 1.89 percent. Purba and Pashchim Medinipur have their kitties empty as of now.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC goons threatening my agent in Noapara: BJP’s Bharati Ghosh
Former IPS officer and BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh from Debra alleged that around 150 “TMC goons” have surrounded her polling agent in Noapara in North 24 Parganas district.
In Noapara booth no. 22, my polling agent hasn’t been allowed to enter the polling booth. In Barunia, voters being threatened and shown the TMC symbol, said Ghosh.
Debra constituency will witness a head-to-head contest between two super cops on Thursday in the second of the eight-phased Assembly election. The ruling party has fielded ex-IPS officer Humayun Kabir.
West Bengal | In Nowpara, booth no. 22, Anchal-1, my polling agent has been surrounded by 150 TMC goons. He hasn't been allowed to enter the polling booth. In Barunia, voters being threatened and shown the TMC symbol: Bharti Ghosh, BJP candidate from Debra constituency pic.twitter.com/wi12zrgq3J
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Modi urges people to vote in record numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to vote in large numbers in the second phase of Assembly polls in West Bengal to “strengthen the festival of democracy”.
“Urging the people of West Bengal in whose seats there is polling taking place today to vote in record numbers,” he tweeted.
Urging the people of West Bengal in whose seats there is polling taking place today to vote in record numbers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC worker killed in Keshpur ahead of voting
A Trinamool Congress worker was allegedly stabbed to death in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district in the early hours of Thursday, hours before polling started in the area, police said.
Uttam Dolui, 48, was at a local club in Hariharpur in the district’s Keshpur area along with a few others when around 10-15 people allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons, they said.
He died on the way to a hospital in Medinipur, they added.
Dolui’s family alleged that BJP “goons” attacked him to create tension in the area and intimidate voters ahead of the polling.
The BJP dismissed the allegations, saying they have no reason for resorting to violence as they are confident about winning the Keshpur seat.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
List of constituencies that will go to polls in phase 2:
The 30 Assembly constituencies voting in the second phase of Bengal polls are — Gosaba (SC), Patharpratima, Kakdwip, Sagar, Tamluk, Panskura Purba, Panskura Paschim, Moyna, Nandakumar, Mahisadal, Haldia (SC), Nandigram, Chandipur, Kharagpur Sadar, Narayangarh, Sabang, Pingla, Debra, Daspur, Ghatal (SC), Chandrakona (SC), Keshpur (SC), Taldangra, Bankura, Barjora, Onda, Bishnupur, Katulpur (SC), Indas and Sonamukhi.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Suvendu on his way to cast vote in Nandigram
BJP’s Nandigram candidate Suvendu Adhikari is on his way to a polling booth in the Assembly constituency. “Voting is underway, the situation is under control. People are hoping for development,” he said.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Voting underway in Paschim Medinipur’s Debra
West Bengal: Polling underway at booth number 76 in Debra, West Midnapore district, in the second phase of Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/hioo6PETWI
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2021
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Key poll issues in Bengal
While TMC has invoked the Bengali sub-nationalism portraying the BJP as a party of outsiders and detrimental to Bengali culture, several other poll issues have gained the attention of electors in the run-up to the second phase of Bengal elections.
The demand for jobs, the inclusion of Hindu backward communities in the OBC category and the setting up of agro-based industry have emerged as major poll planks in the second phase of polls.
West Bengal Election 2021 LATEST Updates
High stakes battle for Nandigram as polling begins
Polling will take place amid strict COVID-19 guidelines in nine seats of Paschim Medinipur district, eight in Bankura district, four seats in South 24 Parganas district and nine in Purba Medinipur district: the home ground of TMC turncoat and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Nandigram falls in Purba Medinipur district.
The agrarian constituency which shook the foundations of the mighty Left regime over the anti-land acquisition movement in 2007, has now turned into a battleground of titans with Banerjee suddenly deciding to switch from her Bhowanipur seat to the constituency held by Adhikari, her former lieutenant who has switched loyalty to the BJP.
For Adhikari, it is a battle for political survival as a defeat would be a devastating blow and might also put a question mark on his political graph in his new party. Similarly, a victory would not only establish him as one of the tallest leaders in Bengal, but would also push him few miles ahead of others in the chief ministerial race in case the BJP is voted to power.
For Banerjee, who is running for the third successive term as chief minister, a victory is a must to lead the government and keep together her party, which has lately seen an exodus of several top leaders. For Sanjukta Morcha candidate Minakshi Mukherjee of CPI-M, the challenge is to regain her party’s lost ground.
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