West Bengal Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, visited polling stations in the Bhabanipur Assembly seat and prayed at a local Hanuman temple amidst tight security during the state’s second phase of elections. Adhikari, contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, urged voters to participate actively in the electoral process. CCTV cameras and CAPF personnel were deployed to ensure security at the polling stations.
The BJP candidate also checked polling stations in the area, where strict security measures were in place. A petitioner’s attempt to challenge Adhikari’s nomination was dismissed by the Calcutta High Court. Polling commenced at 7 a.m. for 142 constituencies across six districts, including Kolkata, with some initial tension reported in certain areas.
In Bhabanipur, tension arose as Mamata Banerjee’s brother was cautioned by central forces for gathering near a police station with more people than allowed. In Rashbehari constituency, allegations of Trinamool Congress activists hindering Congress booth agents surfaced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged high voter turnout in Bengal through a social media post, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation.
Tensions flared in Singur, Hooghly district, with a Trinamool Congress legislator protesting against alleged security force excesses. A delay in polling occurred in Santipur Assembly constituency due to an EVM malfunction. The second phase of Assembly polls in West Bengal is under extensive security coverage, including the deployment of central forces and webcasting at all polling stations.
