Amid the ongoing second phase of polling in West Bengal, Firhad Hakim, the state Minister and Trinamool Congress candidate from the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency, expressed apprehensions about the significant presence of central forces in the state. Hakim questioned the necessity of such a heavy deployment, citing the absence of major issues in the city so far. He raised concerns about alleged intimidation tactics, stating that such actions could lead to voting out of fear, particularly favoring the BJP.
Highlighting the significance of democratic participation, Hakim emphasized that polling centers were operating smoothly. He underscored the importance of voting as a fundamental aspect of democracy, instilled in him by his father from a young age. Stressing the sanctity of the voting process, Hakim described it as a crucial civic duty that ultimately contributes to the nation’s democratic fabric.
As the second phase of elections unfolds across 142 constituencies in six districts, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal reiterated a stringent “zero tolerance” approach towards any irregularities during polling. Agarwal emphasized the commitment to address allegations of EVM tampering promptly and assured that repolling would be conducted wherever necessary.
