Kolkata: People in West Bengal stepped out in big numbers on Wednesday to cast their votes in the second phase of polling for the state Assembly elections.
According to data received till 5 pm, almost 90% — 89.99% to be precise — of the 3.21 crore electors exercised their franchise.
With voting to continue beyond the scheduled time of 6 pm as thousands are still in the queues at different booths, the final numbers could even break the record set six days ago during the first phase of polling.
On April 23, a bumper 93.19% voter turnout was recorded across 152 constituencies – a record in independent India.
The second phase, which will decide the fate in 142 constituencies in south Bengal, is being seen as the ‘litmus test’ for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), as well as three-time chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
The Bhabanipore constituency in south Kolkata was under the biggest spotlight on Wednesday as Mamata is being challenged by BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of Opposition.
Both Mamata and Suvendu were out on the streets all day from morning, visiting different booths amid chanting by slogans and occasional tension among workers and supporters of TMC and Congress.
There were some incidents of violence and vandalism from in parts of the state, but voting was by and large peaceful.
Allegations of EVM tampering, repoll if true, says CEO
Among the serious allegations was that of EVM tampering.
BJP candidates in Sonarpur Dakshin and Panihati said there were issues with the EVM buttons or machine at the booths.
BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a clip on social media, alleging attempts to cover the button to vote for the BJP with tape.
Following claims of voting discrepancies in Falta constituency, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Agarwal said that re-polling will be conducted at any booth where EVM button tampering is verified.
“If reports of taping of any button come in, that should be verified and noted. If true, those booths will go for a repoll,” Agarwal said.
