West Bengal Elections Phase 2: Bhangar tense during polling, ISF claims voters, agents threatened

Kolkata: Tension gripped South 24 Parganas' Bhangar and its adjoining areas during the second phase of polling in West Bengal on Wednesday, with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) accusing TMC of trying to intimidate polling agents and influence voters.

NIA officials have been deployed in at least seven Assembly seats of West Bengal, where the second phase of polling is underway on Wednesday, after the Election Commission asked the federal probe agency to ensure bombs are not used to disrupt polling.

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On April 26, police recovered crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, in Bhangar. Later, on a directive by the Union Home Ministry, the NIA registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in the state.

Trouble was reported from several pockets of Bhangar and Canning Purba constituency since morning, prompting heavy deployment of central forces, state police and NIA teams in sensitive areas.

At Hedia in Canning Purba constituency, the ISF alleged that one of its polling agents received death threats from TMC supporters.

ISF candidate Arabul Islam rushed to the spot after receiving the complaint and accused the administration of failing to ensure a fair election.

"Votes are being looted in Canning Purba. Our agents in booths are being driven out of several booths after snatching their cards and documents," he alleged.

Since morning, Islam was seen visiting booths and asking security personnel to clear gatherings within 100 metres of polling stations, while also assisting ISF polling agents in entering booths.

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ISF chairman and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui also alleged that party workers and agents were being intimidated by ruling party supporters, but claimed that the overall atmosphere in Bhangar was comparatively peaceful compared to previous elections.

The fresh allegations and tension came a day after several areas of Bhangar, including Kochpukur and Joypur under Bhangar-II block, witnessed clashes between TMC and ISF supporters.

ISF supporters alleged that workers of the ruling party roamed through neighbourhoods on Tuesday night and threatened locals. When ISF workers protested, clashes broke out, leaving at least four of their compatriots, including a woman, injured.

Later, Siddiqui said, "The people of Bhangar are finally exercising their democratic rights. Earlier, bombs, bullets and pistols decided elections here. This time, people are choosing ballots and voting with a smile."

He alleged that "political dealers" and local goons loyal to TMC leader and Bhangar candidate Saukat Molla were trying to provoke ISF workers and create tension in certain areas.

"Agents are being threatened and prevented from functioning freely. We repeatedly informed the administration, but police are acting in favour of the ruling party and not cooperating," Siddiqui alleged.

Later in the day, the ISF leader also claimed that voters were prevented from exercising their franchise freely during the 2023 panchayat polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, the situation has improved this time, he said.

The TMC denied the allegations and accused the ISF of trying to create unrest in the constituency to influence polling.

Security was significantly tightened in Bhangar, where, apart from state police and central forces, a special team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was also deployed to monitor sensitive pockets.