West Bengal Panchayat Poll: 9 dead on voting day violence ballot box on fire house vandalized

Widespread violence marred the polling process in West Bengal Panchayat elections today. At least nine people were allegedly killed in clashes during voting. Polling booths were vandalised and ballot papers set on fire in Cooch Behar.

As polling commenced at 7 am today, three Trinamool Congress workers were allegedly killed in separate incidents Nadia, Murshidabad and Malda district. A BJP polling agent was allegedly killed in Cooch Behar. A CPI(M) worker who was critically injured last evening in East Burdwan district, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital this morning. Another supporter of an independent candidate was allegedly critically injured in a clash in Kadambagachi of North 24 Parganas. His family claimed that the man was beaten to death. However, Barasat district police SP Bhaskar Mukherjee said that he is critical and is under treatment at a hospital.

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose met people in various districts to take stock of the situation. Condemning the violent incidents, he said: “It should cause concern to all of us. This is the most sacred day for democracy… Election must be through ballots and not bullets…” Amid reports claiming absence of Central forces at some polling booths, State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha sought details on the number and the position of the personnel from all the district magistrates.

The Panchayat elections in West Bengal, amidst a backdrop of pre-poll violence, are underway with strict security arrangements in place. However, several incidents of violence are being reported from various districts on the counting day in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that the central forces have failed to control the law and order situation in the state. 

The State Election Commission (SEC) has taken proactive steps by deploying additional central forces to maintain law and order during the polls. 

This move comes in response to the instances of violence that occurred in the state during the campaign period leading up to the rural elections. The voting process will occur in a single phase, with the counting of votes set to take place on July 11.

During the panchayat elections in 2018, Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) managed to secure an overwhelming 34% of the seats without any contest. However, the elections were also overshadowed by disturbing incidents of violence that plagued the electoral process.

Amid incidents of violence during voting for the Panchayat election across the state, workers of West Bengal BJP protest outside the State Election Commission office in Kolkata.