West Bengal sees record voter turnout, ECI flags irregularities, repoll likely in select booths
West Bengal witnessed its highest voter turnout since Independence. The second phase of polling was largely peaceful, with no reported deaths during the campaign or on voting day. This high participation sets a national precedent. While most areas...
WB Assembly polls Phase 2: State records nearly 92% voter turnout amid sporadic violence
Kolkata: West Bengal recorded the highest poll participation since Independence, with record turnout in Kolkata, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal said. The second phase was almost violence-free.
"There were no deaths during the election campaign period or on the day of voting. We thank all the people of the state. In contrast, 24 deaths were reported during the 2021 assembly elections. Barring a few isolated incidents, the voting process was on the whole, peaceful," Agarwal said.
"The exercise of democratic rights by such a large number of people in the process of forming a government is a positive sign. The state's voter turnout has set a precedent for the entire country," he said.
In the first phase, poll participation was at 93.19%. The combined poll percentage over the two phases stood at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll-participation in the state was 84.72% in 2011, the ECI statement read.
West Bengal voter turnout
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CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, "Highest percentage of polling in West Bengal in both phase 1 & 2 since Independence..." ECI received complaints regarding election irregularities from 77 booths, the CEO said.
A preliminary scrutiny of these complaints in 23 of these booths has been done. As per the CEO, there is a possibility of re-polling in these specific booths - Falta: 32 booths, Magrahat: 23 booths, Diamond Harbour: 29 booths and Budge Budge: 3 booths.
"A decision regarding re-polling will be announced after reviewing the reports submitted by the presiding officers and local reports," he noted.
Bengal voter turnout Allegations were received regarding the use of black tape, cellophane tape, or even perfume on the voting equipment. Legal action will be initiated against those responsible for such incidents. A decision in this regard will be taken after reviewing the video footage, the CEO said. "There were no pre-existing technical glitches with EVMs. No malfunctions were detected during the mock polling sessions. Police will conduct an investigation and take appropriate action."
Tension erupted in Saihati area of Bhangar constituency when Trinamool workers staged a protest around AISF candidate Md Nawsad Siddique. At Basanti, BJP candidate Vikas Sardar was allegedly attacked and his vehicle vandalised allegedly by Trinamool activists. At Sasan in North 24 Parganas district, a group of Trinamool activists faced retaliation from AISF supporters and villagers.
