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BJP's Adhikari Votes, Flags Bengal Poll Violence; Clash in Murshidabad

BJP candidate Dibyendu Adhikari cast his vote in Purba Medinipur and expressed serious concerns about electoral violence being unique to West Bengal compared to other states. He urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polling and called on voters to report any disruptions immediately. The first phase of voting is underway amid a reported clash in Murshidabad involving TMC workers and police. The state is witnessing a major contest as the TMC seeks a fourth term against a strong push from the BJP.

Key Points: Bengal Polls: BJP Candidate Raises Violence Concern as Voting Begins

  • BJP candidate raises alarm over electoral violence
  • Urges voters to report disruptions like power cuts
  • Clash reported in Murshidabad during polling
  • High-stakes contest between TMC and BJP for 294 seats
3 min read

West Bengal Polls: BJP's Egra candidate Dibyendu Adhikari casts vote, raises concern over electoral violence

BJP's Dibyendu Adhikari casts vote, urges EC for fair polls amid reports of violence in West Bengal's first phase of assembly elections.

"West Bengal stands out as the only state with violence pre-poll, on polling day, and even after the poll - Dibyendu Adhikari"

Purba Medinipur, April 23

BJP candidate from the Egra Assembly constituency, Dibyendu Adhikari, on Thursday cast his vote at a polling booth in Kanthi Dakshin during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

After voting, he raised concerns over electoral violence in the state and urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair polling.

Speaking to ANI, Adhikari said, "Apart from all the other states, West Bengal stands out as the only state with violence pre-poll, on polling day, and even after the poll... I sincerely hope that the Election Commission ensures that free and fair elections are conducted."

Comparing West Bengal with other states, he added, "Voting took place in the other 4-5 states as well, but there has not been a single complaint. But West Bengal is the exception... We face every possible challenge here during the elections."

He further urged voters to remain alert during polling, stating, "Criminals are on the move, and I am continuously urging all electors in West Bengal to report any disruption, even a brief power cut of 5-10 minutes, to the presiding officer, the returning officer, and the ECI helpline."

On security arrangements, he said he was satisfied with the deployment of forces, adding, "I am completely satisfied with the deployment... The SIR process is routine, and there is nothing unusual about it."

Voting for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across multiple constituencies, while a clash broke out in Murshidabad during the polls as Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers raised slogans and entered into an altercation with police upon the arrival of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in the area.

The state is witnessing a high-voltage contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to form the government after a strong showing in the previous elections.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP, which secured 77 seats in the previous election, is making a renewed push to form the government in the state.

In West Bengal, the parties are contesting against one another for 294 Assembly seats. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats. There are a total of 1,478 candidates in the fray in this phase.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a voter from Kolkata, I cast my vote today without any issue. My booth was peaceful. While we hear these reports, I think the media sometimes amplifies isolated incidents. Most Bengalis just want development and good governance, not this constant drama. 🙏
R
Rahul R
The candidate is right to raise this concern. My relatives in rural areas are always fearful during elections. Goons from all parties roam freely. Central forces are a must in every booth. Democracy is meaningless if people can't vote freely.
M
Michael C
Watching from abroad, it's concerning. India is the world's largest democracy. Electoral violence in any state tarnishes the entire country's image. The Election Commission has a tough job, but they must ensure a level playing field. Hope for a peaceful and fair result.
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, while violence is wrong, we must also ask why this keeps happening. It's a failure of all political parties to control their workers. BJP is not innocent either. The focus should be on issues like jobs, education, and women's safety, not just blaming one side.
K
Karthik V
The advice to report even a 5-minute power cut is crucial! In previous elections, such short disruptions were used to stuff ballots. Voters need to be vigilant. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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