West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates: Approximately 78.36 percent voter turnout was recorded till 6.30 pm, as per ECI app. However, this number is likely to go up as the ECI compiles final data from each seat. The Congress on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “shocking callousness” for addressing rallies in poll-bound West Bengal “instead of staying in Delhi” to handle the COVID pandemic situation. Congress’ senior spokesperson P Chidambaram said the prime minister should be at his job, sitting at his desk and coordinating with chief ministers in handling the COVID pandemic. “It is shocking callousness on the part of the prime minister to be addressing rallies in West Bengal, instead of staying in Delhi and handling the situation. He should be there in Delhi fighting the war instead,” he told reporters at a press conference. “I hope the people of West Bengal will take note of this and give him a shocking reply,” Chidambaram said in response to a question. “He (PM) should be at his job, at his desk, taking decisions and coordinating with state governments and reassuring chief ministers that their demands on vaccines, oxygen and ventilators would be met. This is the prime minister’s job today,” he said. The Election Commission on Saturday sought a report from poll observers on an alleged incident of firing by central forces in Deganga constituency of South 24 Parganas — where voting is underway — after such allegations were levelled by locals, PTI reported. A senior election official said the office of CEO Ariz Aftab has received video footage, in which villagers are seen alleging that central forces opened fire near a booth in the Kurulgacha area of Deganga to chase them away. “We have sought a quick report on the matter from the poll observers there,” he said. At the Ausgram rally on Saturday, Amit Shah said, “It is only BJP’s government that can stop infiltration.” He added that the saffron party will also implement the contentious CAA if the party is voted to power. “As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal, we will make people of Matuva, Namasudra society a citizen of India with respect. Do whatever opposition didi has to do, we will give refugees of India citizenship under the CAA. The BJP government is coming to Bengal with more than 200 seats,” he said. A booth agent of the BJP died after falling sick at a polling station in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Saturday morning, prompting the Election Commission to seek a report. Abhijit Samanta, the BJP agent of booth number 107 in the Kamarhati Assembly constituency, fell sick within an hour of the beginning of the polling, he said. Samanta was declared brought dead when taken to a hospital, he said. Voters waiting in the queue at the booth alleged that Samanta was not attended by poll officials and the Central forces personnel initially even as he complained of chest pain and started vomiting. “We have got information that the agent was not attended properly when he complained of sickness. We have sought a report from the micro observer there,” the official said. A controversy erupted on Friday after the BJP released the purported audio clip in which Banerjee is heard telling the Trinamool Congress nominee of Sitalkuchi to hold rallies with bodies of the four persons killed in CISF firing A controversy erupted on Friday after the BJP released an audio in which the West Bengal CM can be heard telling the TMC’s Sitalkuchi candidate to hold rallies with the bodies of the people killed in CISF firing during the fourth phase of polling. The prime minister launched a sharp attack at the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal saying that the state needed a “double engine government, not the one that halts development”. The incident was reported from booth number 107 of Kamarhati. The Chief Electoral Officer has sought a report on the death. People used to come in Bengal for employment but today people from here are migrating because of Mamata Banerjee, said the prime minister while addressing a rally in Asansol. The party workers resorted to stone pelting in Shantinagar area of Bidhannagar. Several women were also injured in the attack. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP in the state secured nearly 45 percent vote share compared to TMC’s 41.5 percent. However, in terms of seats, the TMC was ahead in 23 of them, while the BJP led in remaining 22. This will be the highest security force concentration in this election, outnumbering the fourth phase when the poll body deployed 789 companies for 44 Assembly seats. Of the 45 seats in the fifth phase, 13 are in north Bengal and 32 seats will vote in south Bengal. This is the highest number of seats going to polls in any of the eight-phase marathon Assembly elections. Thirteen seats in north Bengal are spread across three districts — five in Darjeeling, seven in Jalpaiguri and one in Kalimpong. In south Bengal, 16 seats are spread across North 24 Parganas, and there are eight each in Nadia and Bardhaman districts. Prominent names in the fifth phase include Siliguri Mayor and Left Front leader Ashok Bhattacharya, state ministers Gautam Deb and Bratya Basu and BJP’s Samik Bhattacharya. The fifth phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 will be held on Saturday, 17 April, across 45 constituencies spread over six districts. Elections to Bengal are being held in eight phases with the first, second, third and fourth phase of Assembly polls being held on 27 March, 1 April, 6 April and 10 April, respectively. Bengal has already voted for 135 seats in the last four phases. Polling in the previous in the first three phases saw sporadic incidents of violence with members of all political parties, including some TMC candidates, facing attacks by rival camps. The fourth phase, however, saw unprecedented violence with a CISF firing near a polling station in Sitalkuchi constituency of Cooch Behar killing four voters, while another voter died in a firing by a mob. Attacks on candidates were also reported in the fourth phase of the election. It’s to be noted that while polling will be underway for 45 seats in the fifth phase of the West Bengal Assembly election, campaigning will continue in the 114 constituencies in the state that are set to vote in three phases on 22 April, 26 April and 29 April. Counting of votes will take place on 2 May. The Election Commission has decided to deploy at least 853 companies of central forces to ensure free and fair voting, an official of the poll panel said. It will also put in place measures to ensure strict adherence of COVID-19 protocols during the voting process, he said. West Bengal on Thursday recorded the highest single-day spike of 6,769 coronavirus cases and at least 22 more fatalities. Prominent names in the fifth phase include Siliguri Mayor and Left Front leader Ashok Bhattacharya, state ministers Gautam Deb and Bratya Basu and BJP’s Samik Bhattacharya. Voting will be held at 15,789 polling stations in the 45 constituencies 16 seats in North 24 Parganas, eight each in Purba Bardhaman and Nadia, seven in Jalpaiguri, five in Darjeeling and one in Kalimpong district. The phase is crucial for the ruling Trinamool Congress, which is hoping to better its 2016 tally of 32 seats, even as a resurgent BJP looks to make inroads. The Left-Congress alliance had bagged 10 seats in the assembly elections five years ago. Meanwhile, the seizure of illegal inducements to voters, such as liquor and cash, during the ongoing polls to five assemblies and by-polls to some seats has crossed the record value of Rs 1,000 crore, a whopping jump of over four times since the 2016 polls, the Election Commission said Friday. An Election Commission “progressive” report, which will get updated as the remaining phases of poll are conducted, said the maximum Rs 446.28 crore was seized in Tamil Nadu, where the elections have already ended, followed by West Bengal (Rs 300.11 crore), where four phases are yet to take place. Drugs and narcotics is the highest category of illegal inducements seized till now in West Bengal (Rs 118.83 crore out of the total Rs 300.11 crore). The EC said it had deployed a total of 326 expenditure observers, including five special expenditure observers, for free and fair conduct of these polls, while 259 assembly seats were marked as ’expenditure sensitive’ for what it called “focussed vigil” to check the flow of black money and freebies. As per the law, distributing cash and gifts during the electoral process with the intent to influence voters is not permitted and such expenditure comes under the definition of bribery which is an offence both under 171B of IPC and under the Representation of People Act. “The expenditure on such items is illegal. The drive against the menace of money power will continue with vigour in the remaining phases of elections and the seizure figures are expected to rise even further,” the EC said. With inputs from PTI
West Bengal election 2021 Updates: 'Allegation of CRPF firing in Deganga not based on facts' says Barasat SP's report
West Bengal election 2021 LIVE Updates: Approximately 78.36 percent voter turnout was recorded till 6.30 pm, as per ECI app. However, this number is likely to go up as the ECI compiles final data from each seat read more
 "West Bengal election 2021 Updates: 'Allegation of CRPF firing in Deganga not based on facts' says Barasat SP's report")
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Reports of firing by central forces not based on facts, says Barasat SP in report to EC
Barasat Superintendent of Police has submitted his report to Special Police Observer on the alleged incident of ‘blank firing by CRPF personnel’ deputed at a booth in Deganga constituency. The report states that the “the allegation is found to be not based on facts”, according to ANI.
Earlier in the day, some people had alleged that central forces deputed to maintain peaceful polling had opened fire.
“Peaceful voting underway here. Suddenly 8-9 personnel of Central Forces stormed here and opened fire. One round was fired, nobody has been injured,” local resident was quoted as saying.
West Bengal: Barasat SP submits report to Special Police Observer on the alleged incident of 'blank firing by CRPF personnel' deputed at a booth in Deganga constituency; says, "the allegation is found to be not based on facts". pic.twitter.com/RtXUs3AW7S
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata’s secularism fake, only BJP can stop infiltrations, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday claimed that the BJP is the only political entity which can stop infiltration and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee is concerned with “fake secularism”.
Speaking at public rallies at Ausgram in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district and Chapra in Nadia district, the senior BJP leader alleged that infiltrators serve as the votebank of the TMC.
West Bengal voting percentage LIVE updates
Polling ends for fifth phase of Bengal election
Approximately 78.36 percent voter turnout was recorded till 6.30 pm, as per ECI app. However, this number is likely to go up as the ECI compiles final data from each seat.
COVID situation turning dangerous, PM should cancel political rallies: Rajasthan CM
Expressing concern over the spread of COVID-19 infections across the country, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the Prime Minister should stop his political programmes and rallies. The COVID situation has become dangerous across the country. Now, this virus is spreading rapidly among the youth and children as well. The Prime Minister should now stop his political programmes, rallies and road shows, Gehlot tweeted in Hindi.
He said that like before, PM Narendra Modi should make regular contact with the Chief Ministers of the states to know the situation.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP candidate’s convoy attacked in Kamarhati, says report
The convoy of BJP candidate from the Kamarhati constituency in the North 24 Parganas district, Raju Banerjee, was allegedly attacked, ANI reported.
“Bomb and stones have been thrown at me. I have lodged a complaint with Election Commission,” he was quoted as saying. The fifth of the eight-phased Assembly polls was conducted in six districts on Saturday.
#WestBengalElections: Convoy of Raju Banerjee, BJP candidate from Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas, attacked during fifth phase of voting.
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
"Bomb & stones have been thrown at me. I have lodged a complaint with Election Commission," he says. pic.twitter.com/UZyFxu4kJz
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
CAPF denies firing in Deganga seat
While the EC has taken cognisance of locals alleging that Central forces opened fire in the Deganga constituency, a Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officer posted at the booth, where the locals claimed shots have been fired, was quoted by PTI as saying that the allegations made are “baseless”.
“Everything is fine here. The voting exercise is going on very peacefully. There was no incident of firing anywhere in this area,” he stated.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
‘Callousness on Modi’s part to be addressing rallies in Bengal instead of fighting war against COVID-19’: Congress
The Congress on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “shocking callousness” for addressing rallies in poll-bound West Bengal “instead of staying in Delhi” to handle the COVID pandemic situation. Congress’ senior spokesperson P Chidambaram said the prime minister should be at his job, sitting at his desk and coordinating with chief ministers in handling the COVID pandemic.
“It is shocking callousness on the part of the prime minister to be addressing rallies in West Bengal, instead of staying in Delhi and handling the situation. He should be there in Delhi fighting the war instead,” he told reporters at a press conference.
“I hope the people of West Bengal will take note of this and give him a shocking reply,” Chidambaram said in response to a question.
“He (PM) should be at his job, at his desk, taking decisions and coordinating with state governments and reassuring chief ministers that their demands on vaccines, oxygen and ventilators would be met. This is the prime minister’s job today,” he said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Visuals from voting underway in Bidhannagar constituency
West Bengal: Voters queue up outside a polling booth in Bidhannagar.
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
Voting for the fifth phase of #WestBengalElections2021 is underway today. pic.twitter.com/SQFYN0Yo3W
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC seeks report after locals in Deganga seat claim Central forces opened fire
The Election Commission on Saturday sought a report from poll observers on an alleged incident of firing by central forces in Deganga constituency of South 24 Parganas — where voting is underway — after such allegations were levelled by locals, PTI reported.
A senior election official said the office of CEO Ariz Aftab has received video footage, in which villagers are seen alleging that central forces opened fire near a booth in the Kurulgacha area of Deganga to chase them away.
“We have sought a quick report on the matter from the poll observers there,” he said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mimi Chakraborty casts vote in Jalpaiguri
TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty cast her vote at a polling booth in the Jalpaiguri district on Saturday, which is the fifth phase of the West Bengal Assembly election.
West Bengal: TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty casts her vote at a polling booth in Jalpaiguri, in the fifth phase of the State's Assembly election pic.twitter.com/0YoRFyH4Fj
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
‘Only BJP govt can stop infiltration’: Amit Shah
At the Ausgram rally on Saturday, Amit Shah said, “It is only BJP’s government that can stop infiltration.” He added that the saffron party will also implement the contentious CAA if the party is voted to power.
“As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal, we will make people of Matuva, Namasudra society a citizen of India with respect. Do whatever opposition didi has to do, we will give refugees of India citizenship under the CAA. The BJP government is coming to Bengal with more than 200 seats,” he said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah accuses Mamata Banerjee of nepotism in Ausgram rally
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who addressed a rally in West Bengal’s Ausgram on Saturday, reiterated his accusation of nepotism against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
“Modi ji worries day and night for the good of the poor. Mamta didi worries day and night to make her nephew the chief minister. You tell me who should vote in Bengal — Mamta didi, who is worried about nephew? Or to Narendra Modi, who is concerned about the poor?” he said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC seeks report after BJP booth agent dies in North 24 Parganas
A booth agent of the BJP died after falling sick at a polling station in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Saturday morning, prompting the Election Commission to seek a report.
Abhijit Samanta, the BJP agent of booth number 107 in the Kamarhati Assembly constituency, fell sick within an hour of the beginning of the polling, he said.
Samanta was declared brought dead when taken to a hospital, he said. Voters waiting in the queue at the booth alleged that Samanta was not attended by poll officials and the Central forces personnel initially even as he complained of chest pain and started vomiting.
“We have got information that the agent was not attended properly when he complained of sickness. We have sought a report from the micro observer there,” the official said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC puts off poll at Bengal’s Jangipur seat following death of RSP candidate
The Election Commission on Saturday put off assembly election to the Jangipur seat in West Bengal following the death of a Revolutionary Socialist Party candidate. The Election Commission would announce a fresh poll schedule for the seat in the coming days, officials said.
Revolutionary Socialist Party candidate Pradip Kumar Nandi, who tested positive for COVID-19 four days ago, died at a hospital in Berhampore on Friday.
Nandi, 73, was the party’s nominee from the Jangipur assembly constituency in Murshidabad district in the ongoing West Bengal assembly elections.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Will order CBI probe to find out who tapped my phone: Mamata Banerjee on leaked audio
A day after a purported audio tape -in which she is heard proposing a rally with the bodies of Cooch Behar firing victims- surfaced, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that her phone is being tapped and said she will order a CID probe into it.
“They (BJP leaders) are even eavesdropping on our everyday conversation. It seems they are tapping our phone calls on cooking and other household chores.
“I will order a CID probe into the issue. I will not spare anyone involved in such snooping activities. I have already come to know who is behind this,” the TMC supremo said.
Banerjee also claimed she has information that the “central forces are being involved in such acts with some agents”.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah addresses rally in Bengal’s Chapra
HM Shri @AmitShah addresses public meeting in Chapra, West Bengal.#Vote4AsolPoriborton https://t.co/fA1bC6ttWF
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
54.7% turnout recorded till 2.40 pm
According to the Election Commission’s latest data on voting percentage for West Bengal’s fifth phase of polling, the state has recorded a turnout of 54.7 percent as of 2.40 pm.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee playing ‘politics’ with dead bodies: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday claimed that the TMC has been broken in the first four phases of elections, and asserted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew would be “vanquished” by the end of polling in the state.
Speaking at an election rally in the industrial town of Asansol, Modi also claimed the TMC supremo has an old habit of doing politics with dead bodies and has been trying to politicise the “unfortunate” death of five people at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district on 10 April.
“After four phases, TMC is broken to pieces and Didi, bhatija will be vanquished after eight phases of elections (are completed),” Modi said.
Polling is scheduled in the industrial town in the seventh phase on 26 April.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP urges EC to scan ‘Mamata audio clip’ on rally with Cooch Behar victims’ bodies
A BJP delegation on Sunday urged Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab to take note of a purported audio clip – in which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is heard proposing a rally with the bodies of Cooch Behar firing victims – as “such move could lead to more tension” in the state amid the ongoing elections.
Senior BJP leader Swapan Dasgupta, who led the delegation to the CEO office, told reporters that he has apprised Aftab of the conversation that apparently took place between Mamata and the TMC’s Sitalkuchi nominee, and pointed out that it could lead to untoward situations in the next three phases of the Assembly elections.
The TMC has already described the audio clip as “bogus” and said no such conversation took place.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC delegation to meet poll officials in Kolkata today
A Trinamool Congress delegation comprising Yashwant Sinha, Derek O’Brien and Purnendu Basu is expected to meet Election Commission officials in Kolkata on Saturday, to submit a memorandum.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
‘Didi’ and ‘Bhatija’ will be vanquished by end of polls: PM
TMC broken after four phases of polls, ‘Didi’ and ‘Bhatija’ will be vanquished by end of West Bengal elections, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Asansol rally on Saturday during the fifth phase of Assembly polls in the state.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP will implement schemes stopped by TMC govt: PM in Asansol
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack at the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal saying that the state needed a “double engine government, not the one that halts development”.
Addressing a public meeting in Asansol, he said, “The BJP government of Bengal will implement every scheme that benefits you, which was stopped by didi’s government.”
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah in North 24 Parganas today
During the fifth phase of West Bengal Assembly polls, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an election rally in Amdanga, North 24 Parganas district on Saturday.
West Bengal | Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah holds roadshow in Amdanga, North 24 Parganas district pic.twitter.com/ednSmL0kDV
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Sporadic violence marks phase 5; TMC and BJP supporters clash in Shantinagar
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from some areas where polling was underway in the fifth phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal on Saturday, officials said.
The security personnel are maintaining a tight vigil and they have addressed a few incidents that were reported, an official at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.
In the Shantinagar area of Bidhanagar, a clash broke out between TMC and BJP supporters with both sides accusing each other of stopping the voters from going to the polling booths.
Polling was being held in 45 seats in North 24 Parganas, Purba Bardhaman and Nadia in south Bengal, and Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in the north.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee has spread ‘mafia raj’ in Bengal: PM in Asansol
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a potshot at TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee while addressing a rally in Asansol on Saturday. “People used to come here for employment but today people from here are migrating. Didi, who speaks of Ma Mati Manush, has spread ‘mafia raj’ here,” said Modi.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
36.02% turnout recorded till 11.37 am
According to the Election Commission’s latest data on voting percentage for West Bengal’s fifth phase of polling, the state has recorded a turnout of 36.02 percent as of 11.37 am.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Two TMC workers injured in Bidhannagar clashes
Two of our people were injured in stone-pelting by BJP supporters at booth numbers 265 and 272. We have informed the election observer and police. The situation is normal now, said Sujit Bose,TMC candidate from Bidhannagar.
West Bengal Minister and TMC candidate from Bidhannagar, Sujit Bose visits polling booth in East Calcutta Girls College in the assembly constituency, as polling in the fifth phase of assembly elections is underway pic.twitter.com/kZ0kabfCy0
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC and BJP workers clash in Bidhannagar segment of North 24 Parganas
The Assembly segment of Bidhannagar in North 24 Parganas Saturday witnessed fist fights and verbal spat between TMC and BJP workers in front of central forces over allegations of booth rigging.
Party workers resort to stone pelting in Shantinagar area of Bidhannagar. Several women were also injured in the attack.
According to the Times of India, BJP candidate Sabyasachi Dutta has reached the spot.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP has no influence in Bengal on ground zero: GJM’s Bimal Gurung
The BJP don’t have people’s support in Bengal. They don’t have much influence on ground zero. How can they form the government? Politics is not possible through violence, vandalism, shooting. Politics should be simple, said Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung on Saturday.
“I supported BJP for 15 years but what did it do for my community? Modi had assured us and made a commitment, it has been 6.5-7 years now but it is yet to be completed,” said Gurung.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
16.15% turnout till 9.32 am
According to the Election Commission’s latest data on voting percentage on West Bengal’s fifth phase of polling, the state has recorded a turnout of 16.15 percent as of 9.32 am.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP polling agent dies in North 24 Parganas’ Kamarhati
A BJP polling agent died inside a polling booth at Kamarhati Assembly segment in North 24 Parganas as polling for fifth phase was underway. The incident was reported from booth number 107 of Kamarhati. The Chief Electoral Officer has sought a report on the death.
“His name is Abhijeet Samant. Nobody helped him, there is no facility for treatment here,” said brother of the deceased BJP polling agent.
West Bengal: Election Commission has sought a report over the sudden death of a BJP polling agent at booth number 107 in Kamarhati today
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
"His name is Abhijeet Samant. Nobody helped him, there is no facility for treatment here," says brother of the deceased BJP polling agent pic.twitter.com/vYRvzrbIYC
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
North Bengal’s 54 Assembly segments vital for TMC
Although north Bengal’s eight Lok Sabha seats account for only 54 of Bengal’s 294 Assembly segments, the fact that the BJP was ahead of the ruling party in 34 segments in north Bengal during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls has put the entire region in the priority list of chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
TMC leaders say all 54 seats, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong that the chief minister has left for her allies, the two rival factions of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), are crucial for the ruling party.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP delegation to meet poll officials in Kolkata today
A delegation of BJP members Saturday will meet Election Commission officials in Kolkata, on chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee’s purported audio clip over Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar violence, ANI reported.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Phase 5 crucial for Mamata as BJP aims to secure foothold in north Bengal
Voting in the 45 Assembly constituencies in the fifth phase is crucial for TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee since these are the regions where the BJP gained a significant foothold in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The opposition party in the state secured nearly 45 percent vote share compared to TMC’s 41.5 percent. However, in terms of seats, the TMC was ahead in 23 of them, while the BJP led in remaining 22.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
One-fourth of candidates in phase 5 have criminal cases: ADR report
As many as 319 candidates, including 39 women, are in the fray in the fifth phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. One-fourth of the total candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Madan Mitra casts vote in Kamarhati
TMC leader Madan Mitra voted at a polling booth in Kamarhati on Saturday during the fifth phase. The Trinamool veteran is up against two mammoth challenges this year — first, the growing religious divide among voters and second, the increasing dissatisfaction even among staunch Didi-supporters over Kamarhati Municipality’s poor performance.
Madan, a seasoned politician who has a separate fan base, is making every possible effort to clinch the turf a second time after 2011.
#WestBengalElections2021 | TMC leader Madan Mitra casts his vote at a polling booth in Kamarhati pic.twitter.com/Dxmdvs31rf
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Darjeeling wants government change, says Gorkha National Liberation Front chief
It looks like khela shesh so far. We’re keeping a watch. As far as the Hills and our problems are concerned, we want that this government be changed; we want BJP govt, we want justice: Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) president Mann Ghising, in Darjeeling
It looks like 'khela shesh' so far. We're keeping a watch. As far as the Hills & our problems are concerned, we want that this government be changed; we want BJP govt, we want justice: Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) president Mann Ghising, in Darjeeling#WestBengalPolls pic.twitter.com/b9kTr7H071
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Narendra Modi urges voters to turn up in record numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged voters in the fifth phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections to vote in large numbers. He also noted that bypolls to many Assembly and Lok Sabha seats were taking place on Saturday, and asked people to vote in record numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy.
“Urging all those voting in today’s fifth phase of the West Bengal elections to vote in large numbers. First time voters in particular should exercise their franchise,” Modi added.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
At least 853 companies of central forces deployed in phase 5
The Election Commission has decided to deploy at least 853 companies of central forces during the fifth phase to ensure free and fair voting, an official of the poll panel said. It will also put in place measures to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols during the voting process, he said.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
From Darjeeling to Sundarbans, voting for phase 5 underway in 45 seats
Of the 45 seats in the fifth phase, 13 are in north Bengal and 32 seats will vote in south Bengal. This is the highest number of seats going to polls in any of the eight-phase marathon Assembly elections.
Thirteen seats in north Bengal are spread across three districts — five in Darjeeling, seven in Jalpaiguri and one in Kalimpong. In south Bengal, 16 seats are spread across North 24 Parganas, and there are eight each in Nadia and Bardhaman districts.
The seats going to polls stretch from the northernmost point in the Darjeeling hills to Basirhat Uttar and Basirhat Dakshin in the Sunderbans.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Polling underway in Darjeeling
Polling underway at Booth number 263 in Darjeeling during the fifth phase of #WestBengalElections2021 pic.twitter.com/CtO0A4dJUP
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2021
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC curtails period of campaigning in ’larger public interest’
Against the backdrop of “unprecedented public health concerns”, the Election Commission on Friday invoked constitutional powers to put in place restrictions on campaigning by political parties, including curtailing its time, for the West Bengal Assembly elections.
In an order, the poll panel curtailed the time for campaign up to 7 pm. Earlier it was up to 10 pm.
“No rallies, public meetings, street plays, nukkad sabhas, shall be allowed on any day during the days of campaign between 7 pm and 10 am with effect from 7 pm of 16 April,” the order said.
It also extended the silence period from 48 hours to 72 hours in each of the remaining three of the eight phases of the West Bengal polls to be held on 22, 26 and 29 April.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
More than one crore voters to decide fate of 342 candidates
Over one crore voters will hold sway over the political fate of 342 candidates across 45 constituencies spread across six districts.
Security measures have been heightened for phase five in view of the violence in the previous phase, which witnessed the death of five people in Cooch Behar, including four in CISF firing.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Full list of constituencies going to polls in phase 5:
- Darjeeling (Darjeeling)
- Kurseong (Darjeeling)
- Matigara-Naxalbari (Darjeeling)
- Siliguri (Darjeeling)
- Phansidewa (Darjeeling)
- Dhupguri (Jalpaiguri)
- Maynaguri (Jalpaiguri)
- Jalpaiguri (Jalpaiguri)
- Rajganj (Jalpaiguri)
- Dabgram-Phulbari (Jalpaiguri)
- Mal (Jalpaiguri)
12 )Nagrakata (Jalpaiguri) - Kalimpong (Kalimpong)
- Santipur (Nadia)
- Ranaghat Uttar Paschim (Nadia)
- Krishnaganj (Nadia)
- Ranaghat Uttar Purba (Nadia)
- Ranaghat Dakshin (Nadia)
- Chakdaha (Nadia)
- Kalyani (Nadia)
- Haringhata (Nadia)
- Bidhannagar (North 24 Parganas)
- Madhyamgram (North 24 Parganas)
- Rajarhat Gopalpur (North 24 Parganas)
- Rajarhat New Town (North 24 Parganas)
- Baranagar (North 24 Parganas)
- Kamarhati (North 24 Parganas)
- Haroa (North 24 Parganas)
- Minakhan (North 24 Parganas)
- Barasat (North 24 Parganas)
- Deganga (North 24 Parganas)
- Sandeshkhali (North 24 Parganas)
- Basirhat Dakshin (North 24 Parganas)
- Basirhat Uttar (North 24 Parganas)
- Hingalganj (North 24 Parganas)
- Panihati (North 24 Parganas)
- Dum Dum (North 24 Parganas)
- Raina (Purba Bardhaman)
- Jamalpur (Purba Bardhaman)
- Manteswar (Purba Bardhaman)
- Kalna (Purba Bardhaman)
- Memari (Purba Bardhaman)
- Bardhaman Uttar (Purba Bardhaman)
- Khandaghosh (Purba Bardhaman)
- Bardhaman Dakshin (Purba Bardhaman)
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Key candidates in fifth phase
Prominent names in the fifth phase include Siliguri Mayor and Left Front leader Ashok Bhattacharya, state ministers Gautam Deb and Bratya Basu and BJP’s Samik Bhattacharya.
Elections to Bengal are being held in eight phases with the first, second, third and fourth phase of Assembly polls being held on 27 March, 1 April, 6 April and 10 April, repsectively.
West Bengal election 2021 LATEST Updates
Phase 5 polling in 45 seats across six districts today
A total of 45 seats spread across north Bengal and the hilly areas of West Bengal will vote today (Saturday, 17 April) in phase five of the multi-phased election. The fifth phase will see over one crore voters deciding the fate of 342 candidates from 45 constituencies spread across six districts.
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 "Marathi, Assamese, Bengali are now ‘classical languages of India’: What does this status mean?")
 "Bengaluru woman murder prime suspect identified, is an 'outsider', say police. Is he from West Bengal?")
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