'Joy Bangla' slogans raised at police, central forces in Basanti

Tension flared again at Booth No. 76 in Basanti, South 24 Parganas. Trinamool supporters raised “Joy Bangla” slogans targeting police and central forces personnel. Allegations were made against the central forces of harassing voters.

The area turned tense following a police search at the house of local Trinamool leader Raja Gazi. Police detained two youths from his house. Protests began with Trinamool demanding their release.

Meanwhile, in Bakultala in South 24 Parganas, allegations surfaced that police vandalised a Trinamool camp.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose casts his vote

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose casts his vote at City College, Golpark.

Speaking to PTI, he says, “Here, the arrangements are proper, but in some places, issues are being reported. In Tollygunge, we have heard that central forces are asking voters standing in queues to show documents. They do not have the right to check documents unless there is a law and order issue. Only election authorities can verify voter ID or voter slips. This should not happen. Today is a big day for democracy. The people of Bengal believe in unity beyond religion and identify as Indians. Any party indulging in divisive politics in the name of religion will not find support in Bengal. The people of the state will reject politics of division.”

Rudranil Ghosh casts his vote

On casting his vote, BJP candidate from Shibpur assembly constituency, Rudranil Ghosh says, "... There was a time when I used to vote for other candidates. Now, all these people here are not my voters but my neighbours. I belong to this constituency. Voting for myself has been the most exciting experience of my life. People of Shibpur have shown so much faith in me that I have nothing but gratitude towards them..."

BJP leader Locket Chatterjee casts her vote

 "TMC will be wiped out from Bengal," says BJP leader Locket Chatterjee after casting vote in Khanakul constituency. 

Turnout may surpass second phase: Bengal CEO Agarwal

The second phase of voting in West Bengal was progressing peacefully amid elaborate security arrangements, the state's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the turnout might surpass the first phase figures.

More than 60 per cent of the 3.21 crore electors voted till 1 pm in the second phase of polling in West Bengal amid sporadic violence and attacks on candidates.

Agarwal said extensive security deployment and close monitoring were ensuring a smooth voting process across the state.

"In the first phase, West Bengal showed the country that a 93 per cent voter turnout is possible, and that elections can be free and fair. In this phase as well, we aim to match or even exceed that benchmark," Agarwal said.

"There is proper deployment of CAPF, and all arrangements are in place. Voting is taking place completely peacefully, and no complaints are being reported from anywhere," he told reporters.

The CEO urged all voters to participate in the electoral process. "We are also urging residents of high-rise buildings to go out and cast their votes. Everyone should vote. The Election Commission of India wants every person whose name is on the voter list to exercise their right to vote," he added.

Mamata seems 'restless': Congress candidate from Behrampur says

Congress candidate from Behrampur, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "... This is for the first time we are seeing that Mamata Banerjee has been going from one booth to another in her constituency. This is unprecedented. She seems restless. She is not confident of her victory..." 

Re-poll if tape found on EVMs, says Commission

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged that tape was placed on the BJP button of an EVM at a booth in Falta. Following this, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Manojkumar Agarwal said that if black or white tape is found on an EVM, re-polling will be held at that booth. If such incidents are reported in a large number of booths in a constituency, re-polling will be conducted across the entire Assembly segment.

On this issue, Suvendu said Amit Shah had called him to inquire about the alleged taping of EVMs in Falta. The party will decide, after speaking with the candidate, whether to demand a re-poll.

Targeting the Trinamool Congress, Amit Malviya linked the incident to what he described as the “Diamond Harbour Model” and referred to TMC candidate Jehangir Khan. Malviya listed specific locations including Booth 144, Part 170, Room No. 2 at Harindanga High School and claimed Booth 189 and others were similarly affected.

Voter turnout till 1pm in phase 2 over 61%

Approximate voter turnout till 1pm in phase 2 according to ECINET: 61.11 per cent 

East Burdwan: 66.80 per cent

Hooghly: 64.57 per cent

Nadia: 61.41 per cent

Howrah: 60.68 per cent

Kolkata North: 60.18 per cent

North 24-Parganas: 59.20 per cent

South 24-Parganas: 58.58 per cent

Kolkata South: 57.73 per cent

Booth jam at Rajabazar

TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh casts her vote at Khastagir Primary School

TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh casts her vote at Khastagir Primary School.

She says, “Our booth falls under a police station area and has always remained peaceful. Voting in South Kolkata, and across Kolkata, is generally peaceful, so there are usually no problems. However, today we saw something unusual, there are more police personnel than voters inside. If 10 people are voting, there are about 20 police personnel standing in front of them. This creates fear among ordinary people. If you are so confident that Bengal is yours, then why create such a war-like situation? Bengal is also a part of India where elections are being held, just like in other places. But the difference here clearly reflects your desperation and frustration.”  

West Bengal is witnessing heavy polling; people are fearlessly voting: PM Modi in UP's Hardoi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.

Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.

"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.

"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.

The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.

"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.

With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.

Mitali Bag comes to vote in Hooghly on wheelchair

Arambagh TMC MP Mitali Bag comes to vote in Hooghly on wheelchair after being injured in TMC-BJP clash on Monday.

Clash breaks out between TMC supporters and ISF chief Naushad Siddique

Fresh tension gripped Bhangar and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas on Wednesday during voting for the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) alleging intimidation of polling agents and attempts to influence voters by TMC workers.

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 at booth number 142 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," Islam 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.

ISF chairman and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique also alleged that party workers and agents were being intimidated by ruling party supporters.

"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," Siddique alleged.

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.

Election officials said NIA officers were keeping watch in vulnerable areas due to past incidents involving bomb recoveries, explosions and political violence in Bhangar.

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

According to ISF supporters, TMC workers allegedly roamed through neighbourhoods on Tuesday night in the name of campaigning and threatened local residents ahead of polling. When ISF workers protested, clashes broke out, leaving at least four ISF supporters, including a woman, injured.

Security personnel assist elderly woman in Howrah

Sourav Ganguly casts his vote at a polling booth in Behala

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly casts his vote at a polling booth set up at Barisha Sashibhushan Jankalyam Vidyapith, Behala. He says, "I have cast my vote... let's see what the voting percentage will be. In the previous phase it was over 90 per cent. We will know by evening." 

Trinamool chants 'Joy Bangla, chor' at Suvendu in Kalighat, ends in lathi charge

Tension flared up in Kolkata's Kalighat area on Wednesday when the BJP's Bhabanipur candidate Suvendu Adhikari visited a polling booth and was greeted with slogans by TMC workers, prompting police intervention and a complaint by the opposition leader to the EC seeking deployment of additional central forces.

Security forces had to resort to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.

The incident took place near Joy Hind Bhavan in Kalighat when Adhikari, who has been touring polling booths across the Bhabanipur assembly constituency since the morning, came to inspect the polling arrangements.

As soon as he reached the area, TMC workers and supporters raised slogans of 'Jai Bangla' and 'chor, chor' against him, while BJP activists responded with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram', leading to heightened tension in the politically sensitive neighbourhood.

Police personnel deployed at the spot had a tough time controlling cadres of both parties as the slogan war intensified and supporters from both camps gathered around the booth area.

Standing before reporters, Adhikari called up Election Commission officials and complained about the situation, alleging that he had been attacked and that BJP workers were being obstructed.

"There has been an attack on me. More central forces should be sent immediately so that voters can cast their votes freely," he was heard telling poll officials.

He also sought the deployment of additional CRPF personnel in the area, alleging that attempts were being made to intimidate opposition workers and voters.

The BJP alleged that TMC supporters were deliberately trying to create disturbances to prevent free and fair polling in Bhabanipur, one of the most high-profile constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.

The TMC, however, maintained that local people were expressing spontaneous anger against Adhikari and dismissed the BJP's allegations.

Adhikari has been visiting multiple booth areas across Bhabanipur, including Chakraberia, Chetla and Mitra Institution, since morning as polling progressed in the constituency where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also in the fray.

Central Forces disperse crowd near Falta booth; voting continues amid tension

Central Forces disperse crowd near Falta booth 186 in South 24 Parganas; voting continues amid tension. 

RG Kar victim's mother alleges TMC goons tried to attack her

Mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim and BJP candidate from Panihati seat, Ratna Debnath, told ANI, "TMC goons who tried to attack me were using abusive language. They said I was doing business in my daughter's name. They misbehaved with me and said that they would see me on 4th May. I complained to the police and demanded their arrest, but the police asked me to leave the spot. I asked them to allow my Chief Election Agent to be with me, but they did not allow it. After I complained at the police station, they came and removed all the TMC workers who were present there."

BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath, also the mother of RG Kar rape-murder victim, cast her vote in Sodepur in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district and said women's safety is her top priority.

She exuded confidence that people would vote for a regime change and free West Bengal from "the misrule of TMC".

"The TMC failed to address the worsening law and order situation in the state. Only one arrest has been made in the RG Kar case. How did the accused get access to a secure place supposedly guarded by hospital security?" she told reporters.

Twenty months after the rape and murder of the young doctor inside Kolkata's state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital triggered nationwide outrage, the politics of that crime has caught up with Bengal's election battlefield.

"Apart from my daughter, hundreds of women have also been facing atrocities in West Bengal under the TMC rule. My priority is women's safety," she alleged.

Debnath expressed confidence in winning the seat and said, "We have to ensure that not a single vote is lost".

The BJP nominee alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government had tried to hush up the brutal rape and murder of her medic daughter.

She has been fielded against Tirtankar Ghosh, the son of sitting TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh, and CPIM's Kalatan Dasgupta.

Sekharranjan Debnath, father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, says, "TMC goons on motorbike were present on the way as we were passing. They also sloganeered at us. They brought many more TMC goons with them and tried to attack us. Police didn't remove them (TMC workers) but asked us to go away from the spot. They are doing all this because they are scared of us."

'100 per cent monitoring is being carried out': Manoj Kumar Agarwal

State Chief Election Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, says, "100 per cent monitoring is being carried out. People in high-rise buildings are also coming out to vote. There is proper deployment of CAPF, and all arrangements are in place. Voting is taking place completely peacefully, and no complaints are being reported from anywhere.

We are also urging residents of high-rise buildings to go out and cast their votes. Everyone should vote. The Election Commission of India wants every person whose name is on the voter list to exercise their right to vote. In the first phase, West Bengal showed the country that a 93 per cent voter turnout is possible, and that elections can be free and fair. In this phase as well, we aim to match or even exceed that benchmark." 

'Dedicate my vote to those people who are not able to cast their votes today': CPI(M)'s Md Salim

CPI(M) politburo member and the party's West Bengal secretary, Md Salim, on Wednesday said he dedicated his vote to those who were "disenfranchised by the SIR exercise", alleging it was carried out with a design to strip people of their constitutional rights.

Speaking to PTI videos after casting his vote at the St Thomas Girls' School in Kolkata, Salim said polls were taking place peacefully so far, apart from some sporadic and minor incidents.

"The poll percentage will go up this time compared to previous years because I can see, for the first time, people standing in long queues to exercise their franchise. That is perhaps fuelled by attempts made to snatch their voting rights," he said.

"I dedicate my vote to those people who are not able to cast their votes today because of a conscious design to disenfranchise them and strip them of their fundamental and constitutional rights. We have fought before, and the resistance to that project will continue in future," he added.

Nearly 40 per cent of the 3.21 crore electors voted till 11 am of the second phase of polling in West Bengal amid sporadic violence.