Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, while voting in Karimpur during the West Bengal Assembly elections, highlighted the active participation of voters in what she termed as “revenge voting” to protect democracy. She emphasized that those omitted from the voter list would still turn out to vote, ensuring a high voter turnout.
Moitra expressed concerns about political retaliation against the ruling party and the Election Commission, attributing the surge in voter participation to public dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s actions. She noted that voters had already shown strong opposition in the first phase and expected this trend to continue in the second phase.
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections commenced with polling in 142 constituencies across six districts, including Kolkata. The voting process began amidst minor tensions in certain areas from the early hours. In Bhabanipur, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari are contesting, Mamata Banerjee’s brother was cautioned by security forces for gathering with more people than allowed near a police station.
In Rashbehari constituency, tensions arose as Trinamool Congress workers were accused of obstructing Congress booth agents from entering a polling station, with the Congress alleging “hooliganism.” Despite these incidents, voters across the state continued to line up at polling stations, with authorities ensuring tight security measures for a smooth electoral process.
