The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal witnessed clashes, violence, and allegations of malpractice. Supporters of rival parties, TMC and Indian Secular Front, clashed in Jadavpur constituency while in South 24 Parganas, a mob reportedly threw EVM and VVPAT machines into the water. BJP candidate Tapas Roy faced protests and slogans from TMC workers while the BJP accused TMC workers and police of threatening their polling agents ahead of the elections. Amid tight security, voting is being held in nine seats in West Bengal.
Lok Sabha Elections 2023: West Bengal's Final Phase Marred by Violence, Malpractice
The seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal witnessed widespread clashes, violence, and allegations of malpractice, casting a shadow over the electoral process.
Clashes and Violence
In Jadavpur constituency, supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) clashed, resulting in injuries to several individuals. In South 24 Parganas, a mob reportedly vandalized an EVM and VVPAT machine and threw them into the water. BJP candidate Tapas Roy faced protests and slogans from TMC workers, while the BJP alleged that its polling agents were threatened by TMC and police personnel.
Police Intervention
Amidst the chaos, police intervened to restore order and apprehend those involved in the violence. However, allegations of police bias and partiality were raised by both the TMC and the BJP.
Malpractice Allegations
Both the TMC and the BJP accused each other of engaging in electoral malpractices, including intimidation of voters, booth capturing, and manipulation of EVMs. Several incidents of false voting and voter impersonation were reported.
Background
The Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal have historically been marked by high levels of political violence and malpractice. In the previous Lok Sabha elections in 2019, over 100 incidents of violence were reported, resulting in the deaths of several individuals.
Security Arrangements
In an attempt to ensure a peaceful election, the Election Commission deployed over 100,000 security personnel to man polling stations and maintain law and order. However, the widespread violence and malpractice suggest that the security arrangements proved insufficient.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1. What is the Lok Sabha? A1. The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament, consisting of 545 members elected from various constituencies across the country.
Q2. What is the purpose of the Lok Sabha elections? A2. The Lok Sabha elections are held every five years to elect the members of the Lok Sabha, who represent the people's interests and make laws for the country.
Q3. What is the significance of the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal? A3. The final phase determines the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, which has 42 parliamentary constituencies.
Q4. Why was the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal marred by violence? A4. The violence stemmed from intense political rivalry between the TMC and the BJP, combined with historical tensions and allegations of electoral malpractices.
Q5. What measures can be taken to prevent violence and malpractice in future Lok Sabha elections? A5. Strengthening security arrangements, improving voter education, and implementing strict penalties for electoral offenses are some key measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
During a three-day event held to mark the first anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla's idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the temple serves as a reminder to suppressed civilizations and cultures that they have the right to assert themselves democratically and constitutionally. He also spoke about the progress made in Ayodhya, including the construction of an international airport, and expressed his pride in seeing the dream of a Ram Temple finally come true. Adityanath credited the positive beginning made in 2019 by the judiciary's ruling and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's laying of the foundation stone for the temple.
Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently caused a stir on social media after his comments on the Hindi language during a graduation ceremony in Tamil Nadu. While addressing the audience, Ashwin stated that Hindi is not the national language but an official language of India, leading to a nationwide debate. This issue highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the promotion and recognition of Hindi as a unifying language in a diverse nation like India.
On the first anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his heartfelt wishes to the nation. He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement and stated that the temple will remain a symbol of faith and aspiration for generations to come. He also highlighted the significance of Lord Shri Ram's life and the cultural revival efforts by the Modi government.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath made a special visit to seek blessings of Lord Ram. The event holds significance as it falls on the day of the nation's celebration and the CM expressed his elation to be in the holy town. The celebrations, marked by various rituals, prayers, and cultural events, will continue till January 13. PM Narendra Modi also extended his warm wishes and highlighted the temple as a symbol of India's culture and spirituality.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.