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'Not Just a Bihari Babu, I Am a Bengali Babu': Shatrughan Sinha Votes in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha cast his vote in Asansol during the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, emphasizing his duty as a voter. He declared himself "not just a Bihari Babu, but a Bengali Babu and a Hindustani Babu," highlighting his connection to the state. The first phase covered 152 constituencies across 16 districts, with voter turnout at 61.18% and 635 complaints received by the Election Commission. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with results to be declared on May 4.

Key Points: Shatrughan Sinha Casts Vote in West Bengal Phase 1

  • Shatrughan Sinha casts vote in Asansol for West Bengal phase 1
  • Sinha emphasizes his identity as "Bengali Babu" and "Hindustani Babu"
  • Voter turnout reaches 61.18% across 152 constituencies
  • Second phase polling set for April 29, counting on May 4
2 min read

'Not just a Bihari Babu, I am a Bengali Babu': Shatrughan Sinha on casting vote in West Bengal polls

Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha votes in Asansol, calling himself a "Bengali Babu" and urging democratic participation as West Bengal phase 1 polls see 61.18% turnout.

"I am not just Bihari Babu, I am a Bengali Babu, and I am truly a Hindustani Babu. - Shatrughan Sinha"

New Delhi, April 23

Trinamool Congress MP Shatrughan Sinha cast his vote during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday, highlighting the importance of exercising the franchise as a democratic responsibility as well as his connection to the state.

"I am going to cast my vote. For the first time in Bengal, in Asansol, I am going to vote along with these people. I am going to exercise my right and fulfill my duty as a voter..." Sinha said outside the polling booth.

Emphasising his identity and commitment to the democratic process, he stressed: "I am not just Bihari Babu, I am a Bengali Babu, and I am truly a Hindustani Babu. Voting is a national duty, and I have always fulfilled it and will continue to do so..."

Sinha's remarks came as voters across West Bengal turned out in significant numbers for the first phase of polling, reflecting strong public participation in the electoral process.

Polling began at 7 a.m. on Thursday across 152 Assembly constituencies spread over 16 districts in the first phase of the two-phase elections. Long queues were seen outside several polling stations since early morning, indicating high voter enthusiasm across both urban and rural areas.

According to official data, voter turnout stood at 61.18 per cent so far, pointing to robust participation in this crucial phase. The Election Commission also received a total of 635 complaints related to polling by 11 a.m. Of these, 260 complaints were submitted physically to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, while 375 were filed through the C-Vigil app.

The districts going to polls in this phase include Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North and South Dinajpur, and Malda in North Bengal, along with Murshidabad, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, and Birbhum in South Bengal.

The first phase is being closely watched as it covers a diverse mix of constituencies across the state. Authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling, even as isolated complaints and tensions have been reported in some areas.

The second phase of polling for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies will be held on April 29, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
It's heartening to see 61% turnout already. But 635 complaints by 11 AM? That's a bit concerning. Hope the EC is taking them seriously. We need free and fair elections, not just high turnout numbers.
R
Rahul R
Sinha ji is absolutely right – voting is a national duty. But sometimes I feel our politicians only remember this during elections. What about the other 5 years? Still, kudos to him for setting an example. 👍
P
Priyanka N
As a Bengali myself, I appreciate Sinha ji embracing his Bengali identity. But actions speak louder than words. Let's see what he actually does for Asansol and West Bengal after winning. The queues are encouraging though!
J
James A
Interesting how identity politics works in India. One minute you're a "Bihari Babu", next you're a "Bengali Babu". But I guess that's democracy – you adapt to where you serve. The voter turnout is impressive by global standards.
V
Vikram M
Sinha ji is a thorough gentleman and a true patriot. His statement "Hindustani Babu" sums up what we all should feel – Indian first, state second. But 635 complaints in just a few hours? That needs immediate EC action. 😠
K

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