Kolkata, Apr 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday visited several polling booths in her Bhabanipur assembly constituency where voting is underway and alleged that central forces and election observers were acting at the behest of the BJP.
The Bhabanipur seat is considered Banerjee’s strong political base, where she is locked in a high-stakes contest against Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, in what is being viewed as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he defeated her in the 2021 Assembly elections.
The TMC chief, who usually casts her vote in the afternoon from her Kalighat residence, stepped out early in the morning before 8 am and visited multiple polling stations including areas in Chetla and Chakraberia in south Kolkata.
Speaking to reporters, Banerjee alleged irregularities in the polling process and accused the BJP of influencing voting through central forces and election observers.
She claimed that several observers posted from outside the state were acting under political pressure. “People are supposed to vote freely, but the situation is not normal,” she said.
Banerjee also alleged that TMC flags were removed ahead of polling and accused outsiders of interfering in the process. She further claimed that party workers were being restricted and detained in some areas.
She sought immediate intervention from the Election Commission, alleging attempts to disturb the electoral atmosphere in Bhabanipur.
The BJP rejected her allegations, saying the ruling party was attempting to create confusion after sensing electoral setbacks.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee also reacted after casting his vote, alleging high-handed behaviour by poll observers but expressed confidence that the party would secure a strong victory.
Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari said the Chief Minister would lose the election, claiming that voters were turning out in large numbers and that polling was being conducted fairly under Election Commission supervision.
Voting is being held in 142 Assembly constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal elections amid tight security arrangements across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman.
The outcome of this phase is crucial as it covers southern Bengal, traditionally considered a stronghold of the TMC. Counting of votes will take place on May 4. (Agencies)
