Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and candidate from Hooghly, Locket Chatterjee, noted the ongoing election process, stating that while there have been reports of threats at some locations within her constituency, the overall scenario remains peaceful, with voters ready to exercise their franchise.
"Everything is going on fine...There were instances of threatening at 2-3 places at a booth in Balagarh, Dhaniakhali. EVM machines are not working at a few locations but work is going on those," Chatterjee conveyed, addressing media persons on Monday as the fifth phase of voting unfolded.
"I am here at Dhaniakhali and the situation is fine. Everyone will exercise their franchise," she added, emphasizing the determination of voters amidst any challenges.
In response to a query regarding the challenge posed by rival Trinamool candidate Rachana Banerjee, Chatterjee maintained a neutral stance, stating, "I do not have anything against the (TMC) candidate. She does not even know about Trinamool. No one here trusts Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee. They (BJP) did their research with I-PAC and chose their candidate."
Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Chatterjee highlighted the voters' resolve against corruption and their allegiance to Prime Minister Modi.
"Voting is being done here against corruption and in the name of PM Modi. The corruption and the threats going on here are because they did not work," she remarked.
"We hope that the EC will ensure a free and fair election here..." she added, urging people to come out and vote on Monday.
While the TMC has fielded actor Rachna Banerjee from Hooghly, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in partnership with the Congress in the INDIA bloc has nominated Manadip Ghosh.
The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories (UTs) amidst tight security and arrangements.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), polling for 35 assembly constituencies of the Odisha legislative assembly is taking place simultaneously on Monday.
The fifth phase witnesses key contests in various constituencies, with notable leaders like Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya vying for electoral success.
Eight states/UTs polling in phase 5 are: Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
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