Kolkata/Nandigram: As the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections kicked off on Thursday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused Nandigram police of favouring the BJP, while Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari countered, claiming that ruling party-backed thugs were scaring voters amid ongoing balloting in Purba Medinipur.
State minister Shashi Panja raised the alarm at a press conference, claiming police personnel deployed in Nandigram were siding with the BJP. She said a TMC group met Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal with a formal complaint, demanding removal of two police officers from poll duties. “The presence of these officers is raising serious concerns about the neutrality in the polling process,” she claimed.
Polling began at 7 am for 152 seats across 16 districts with heavy security. Adhikari, contesting Nandigram for re-election after defeating Mamata Banerjee there in the high-profile 2021 polls, is also challenging her in Bhabanipur’s second-phase vote on April 29. TMC has pitted Pabitra Kar, his ex-aide, against him.
Adhikari Alleges TMC Thug Tactics On Voters
BJP rejected the accusations, as Adhikari alleged “TMC-sheltered goons” were at work. “Murder accused Sheikh Sahabuddin is roaming in the area freely. He is visiting booths where Hindu voters are in the majority and threatening them. I am visiting those booths to reassure the voters,” he told reporters en route to a booth.
“I am not here for Hindu-Muslim polarisation. I am here to fight criminals and stop them. The criminals here are TMC leaders belonging to a particular community,” he alleged.
After casting his vote at Nandanayakbar Primary School, Adhikari commended the Election Commission. “I pray for peaceful voting. They (TMC) could not create much disturbance, nor will they be able to. The night before polling is usually crucial. Prima facie, the Election Commission and the central forces deserve thanks,” he said.
