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Elephant 'Ramlal' Joins Voting Queue at Bengal Polling Booth, Causes Brief Stir

An elephant caused a brief alarm among voters at a polling station in West Bengal's Jhargram district during the first phase of Assembly elections. The elephant, locally known as Ramlal, appeared at the Jitushol Primary School polling booth but did not harm anyone before moving away. Forest department officials promptly arrived and escorted the elephant to a safe distance, allowing voting to proceed without further disruption. The incident occurred as polls began across 152 constituencies under heavy security deployment for the crucial state elections.

Key Points: Elephant at Bengal Polling Booth Causes Brief Alarm During Voting

  • Elephant appeared at polling station
  • Named 'Ramlal' by locals
  • Forest department safely moved it
  • Voting began smoothly after incident
  • Unprecedented security for polls
2 min read

Elephant in 'queue' outside Bengal's Jhargram voting booth causes brief alarm

An elephant named Ramlal caused a brief disturbance at a West Bengal polling station before forest officials safely escorted it away. Voting proceeded smoothly.

"The elephant, known as 'Ramlal' to the locals, did not harm anyone. - Report"

Kolkata, April 23

An elephant was seen in the voting line prior to the commencement of the first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, causing alarm among voters on Thursday morning. This unexpected occurrence in Jhargram's Jitushol led to a brief disturbance at the polling station. Subsequently, officials from the forest department arrived at the scene and managed to restore order.

The first phase of voting is underway in 152 Assembly constituencies of the state. These include four Assembly constituencies of the Jhargram district.

The incident took place at Jitushol Primary School in this district, which was designated as a polling station, and voters were beginning to assemble. Just before the voting, the elephant suddenly appeared in front of the school.

The elephant, known as 'Ramlal' to the locals, did not harm anyone. It took a peek at a goods vehicle standing in front of the booth and then moved away on its own.

A big crowd gathered near the polling station to see Ramlal. Soon, the forest workers from the Lodhashuli range reached the spot after receiving information about elephants roaming in front of the polling station. Ramlal was moved to a safe distance, and voting began smoothly at that polling station.

The forest department has also taken up the task of dealing with the elephant menace. A special team of 15 people, including an 'Airavat' vehicle, has been formed to control the movement of elephants.

Apart from this, a quick response team consisting of the 'Elephant Trekkers Team' and experienced Hula Party members is active all the time to keep an eye on other elephant groups moving across the district.

Polling began for 152 constituencies scattered over 16 districts from 7 a.m. on Thursday in the first phase of the two-phase crucial West Bengal Assembly polls.

The first phase of the Assembly polls is being conducted under unprecedented security cover, with the deployment of 2,407 companies of central forces, including Central Armed Police Forces, the India Reserve Battalion, and personnel from armed police wings of other states, in addition to personnel from West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.

The second phase of polls in West Bengal for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies will be on April 29. ​The results will be declared on May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the story is amusing, it highlights a serious issue. Human-animal conflict is real in these forested areas. The government needs better long-term solutions, not just quick response teams. What about securing elephant corridors?
S
Sarah B
I'm visiting from the US and following the elections. This is incredible! The fact that voting continued smoothly after this shows great adaptability. The photo of the elephant near the booth must be priceless.
A
Aman W
Ramlal just wanted to check if his name was on the voter list! Jokes aside, kudos to the forest department and polling officials for managing the situation without panic. Democracy in action, with a little jungle drama.
K
Karthik V
With 2407 companies of security forces deployed, they probably weren't expecting the "elephant in the room" to be a literal one! Seriously though, it's good to see systems working to protect both citizens and wildlife.
N
Nisha Z
This is why I love West Bengal. Where else does life blend so seamlessly? Elections, forests, elephants, and daily life all in one frame. Hope Ramlal is safe and far from any trouble.

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