The final phase of Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, primarily between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Though the Election Commission claimed a peaceful process, 1,450 complaints were received of EVM malfunctions and agents being stopped from entering booths. In the first two hours of polling, only 28.10 per cent of 1.63 crore voters exercised their franchise. Meanwhile, clashes broke out between TMC and ISF supporters in Bhangar, with allegations of crude bombs being hurled and police intervention and lathi charges following suit.
The Tense Final Phase of Lok Sabha Polls in West Bengal
The final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal witnessed sporadic violence, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Background
West Bengal is a politically volatile state with a history of political clashes between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The 2019 elections were particularly tense, with both parties fielding high-profile candidates and seeking to consolidate their support base.
Sporadic Violence and Electoral Irregularities
During the final phase of polling, there were multiple reports of violence between TMC and BJP supporters. In the Bhangar constituency, clashes broke out between TMC and Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters, resulting in allegations of crude bombs being hurled. Police intervened to quell the violence, but not before lathi charges were used.
In addition to the violence, there were also allegations of electoral irregularities. The Election Commission received 1,450 complaints of EVM malfunctions and agents being prevented from entering polling booths. In the first two hours of polling, only 28.10 percent of the 1.63 crore eligible voters cast their ballots.
Election Commission Claims and Opposition Concerns
Despite the irregularities, the Election Commission maintained that the polling process was largely peaceful. However, opposition parties expressed skepticism, alleging that the TMC had used its influence to intimidate voters and manipulate the electoral process. BJP leader Amit Shah accused the TMC of "capturing booths" and disrupting the polls.
FAQs
1. What caused the violence in West Bengal? The violence was primarily caused by clashes between TMC and BJP supporters, likely fueled by political rivalry and the high stakes of the election.
2. Were there any specific incidents of violence? Yes, clashes were reported in the Bhangar constituency, resulting in allegations of crude bombs being hurled. Police intervened to quell the violence.
3. How did the Election Commission respond to the allegations of electoral irregularities? The Election Commission maintained that the polling process was largely peaceful, but it did receive 1,450 complaints of EVM malfunctions and agents being prevented from entering booths.
4. What were the turnout figures for the final phase of polling? In the first two hours of polling, only 28.10 percent of the eligible voters cast their ballots.
5. What are the implications of the violence and irregularities for the election results? The violence and irregularities could raise questions about the fairness and credibility of the election results, particularly if they are perceived as having affected the outcome in any particular constituency.
Government officials in the UK are facing backlash from citizens as Storm Bram brings heavy rain and winds, leading to flood warnings and potential risks to life. Good Morning Britain presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid raised concerns about the lack of warning to those living in affected areas, while viewers expressed frustration over inconsistent warning systems. With severe weather conditions expected to continue throughout the country, citizens are calling for better communication and preparation from their government.
A shocking conspiracy was uncovered by the Bihar Police when they arrested an individual from Bhojpur for allegedly issuing death threats to MP Pappu Yadav. The whole scheme was concocted by his close associates to garner enhanced security for Yadav. The arrested man, Ram Babu, has confessed to making a threatening video at the behest of the MP's associates, who had promised him a position in their party. Police are still investigating the instigator of this plot and are also looking into other aspects of the case.
Congress-led UDF emerged as the leading force in the Kerala local body elections, securing a majority in 505 out of 941 Grama Panchayats. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA made significant gains, winning the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation for the first time and retaining key municipalities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited the victories to PM Narendra Modi's leadership and vision for "Vikasita Keralam".
In a significant victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), three women candidates secured seats in the Kerala local body elections. Former Mayor and MCD AAP Councillor Dr. Shelly Oberoi congratulated the winners, praising their success as a strong example of women's empowerment. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his gratitude to the people of Kerala for giving a decisive verdict in favor of the United Democratic Front (UDF), while Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged and praised the efforts of BJP workers in the state. This outcome reflects the increasing support for female leaders and potentially hints at a greater shift towards progressive politics in the state.
As the counting for the local body elections in Kerala began, the Congress-led UDF is in the lead in most of the city and town local bodies. This two-phase election, held on December 9 and 11, has seen a high voter turnout of over 70%. The results of this election will have a significant impact on the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, with local body results often reflecting voter mood. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed confidence in the UDF alliance's chances in the upcoming Assembly polls.
R Sreelekha, the former DGP and BJP's mayoral candidate in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, secured a victory in the Sasthamangalam ward and pledges to deliver a corruption-free administration if given the chance to serve the public. Other notable victories in the corporation elections include former district president VV Rajesh and UDF mayoral candidate KS Sabarinathan. However, some high-profile defeats were seen, including actor Poojapura Radhakrishnan and Congress leader Johnson Joseph. Independent candidate Pattoor Radhakrishnan and Congress candidate Mary Pushpam also emerged victoriously in their respective wards.
According to sources, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal has identified a total of 58,80,202 voters who may be excluded from the draft voter list. This includes people who have passed away, transferred, missing, and identified as 'fake' by the Election Commission. These numbers are subject to change in the final list, which is set to be published on February 14, 2022. The commission has divided voters into three categories - own mapping, progeny mapping, and non-mapping - depending on their presence in the 2002 voter list. Those not falling into any of these categories will be called for a hearing by the EC.
In a significant shift in voter sentiment, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is set for a decisive win in the Kerala local body elections, dealing a major setback to the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The UDF has consolidated its gains across urban local bodies, while the LDF's last-minute welfare push failed to curb anti-incumbency. The NDA also made significant gains, underlining its expanding presence in urban Kerala.
In a major upset, the BJP-led NDA has won the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, ending the CPI(M)-led LDF's 45-year reign. The victory, with the NDA winning 50 out of 101 seats, is a boost for BJP's aspirations in Kerala's upcoming Assembly elections. The party's strong focus on development and Hindutva in Thiruvananthapuram, under the leadership of state unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, proved successful despite challenges faced during the campaigning. This victory has put the BJP in a strong position for the 2021 Assembly elections.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken a huge lead in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, giving a setback to the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF). Initial trends show the NDA leading in 25 wards, while the LDF is ahead in 15 wards and the UDF in 10 wards. This is a major blow to the LDF ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala, with a record voter turnout of 73.69%. The State Election Commission has also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections.