Bengal Poll Violence: BJP Leader’s Remark on 1st Phase Poll Violence in Lok Sabha Election

Three seats in north Bengal are voting in the first phase — Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in Cooch Behar, where workers of the BJP and Trinamool clashed.

Both sides have filed scores of complaints relating to violence and voter intimidation. A senior polling officer mentioned that they have received some complaints, but they had no reports of violence.

By 3 pm, eight hours after voting began, the seats had recorded 66.3% turnout. All three Bengal seats polling today are reserved — Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri for Scheduled Castes and Alipurduar for Scheduled Tribes.

Among the high-profile candidates is Union Minister Nisith Pramanik, contesting for BJP in Cooch Behar. In a video statement, Ms Paul expressed concerns about the situation of violence perpetuated in the region.

Ms Paul, MLA from Asansol South, is contesting the Lok Sabha polls as BJP’s candidate in Medinipur. Ms Paul’s remark is a part of the political blame game that has started in the wake of the violence.

The BJP denied the allegations and claimed that they were targeted in many areas. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged voters to vote to “prevent infiltration and corruption”.

Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh responded, mentioning that it is the job of the Home Minister’s office and the BSF to stop infiltration, and highlighted reasons to vote for @AITCofficial. The political tension has brought forward allegations and counter-allegations from both the BJP and Trinamool, reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding the election process.