CRPF Director General G.P. Singh visited Diamond Harbour to collaborate with Election Observer Ajay Pal Sharma for the second phase of West Bengal polls. Sharma, known as Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Singham’, has been overseeing inspections at various booths to ensure fair elections. His presence has sparked controversy in South 24 Parganas, escalating tensions between Trinamool Congress and BJP due to a viral video showing him cautioning supporters against voter intimidation.
Amidst the ongoing second phase of West Bengal polls, voter turnout stood at 18.39% by 9 a.m. Polling commenced at 7 a.m. across 142 constituencies in six districts, including Kolkata. Mild tensions were reported in some areas at the start of the polling process. In South Kolkata’s Bhabanipur constituency, where Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari are contesting, Chief Minister’s brother was advised by central forces for assembling near a police station with more people than allowed.
In Rashbehari constituency adjacent to Bhawanipur, also in South Kolkata, minor tensions arose over allegations of Trinamool Congress activists obstructing Congress booth agents. Congress accused ruling party activists of ‘hooliganism’ in Rashbehari. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters in West Bengal’s 142 Assembly constituencies to vote in large numbers through a social media post. He emphasized the importance of women and youth turning out to vote.
