Clashes broke out between supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Saturday during repolling at 15 booths ordered by the Election Commission of India over alleged electoral irregularities.
The incidents were reported from areas under Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies, where repolling commenced earlier in the day. Officials indicated that the process began without incident in 11 polling stations in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour before tensions escalated.
Visuals from the area showed confrontations between rival groups, adding to an already tense atmosphere marked by protests in Falta, where residents alleged intimidation and threats ahead of the May 4 counting of votes.
One woman alleged, “Trinamool's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed.” Another claimed, “We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us. We want him to be arrested. We need safety for women.”
Security deployment was intensified across sensitive locations, with personnel stationed to prevent further escalation. Authorities maintained a close watch on developments as polling continued under heightened vigilance.
The repoll was ordered following complaints of election malpractice during the second phase of polling held on April 29. The Election Commission cited multiple reports of irregularities, including alleged tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Also read: EC deploys additional observers for Bengal vote count
Data released by the Commission indicated that voter turnout during the repolling reached 56.33 per cent in Magrahat Paschim and 54.9 per cent in Diamond Harbour by 2 pm, with an overall turnout of 55.57 per cent.
The developments come amid continuing political tensions in the state, with rival parties trading allegations over poll conduct and administrative lapses.
Further controversy has emerged over alleged irregularities in EVM strongrooms. The Trinamool Congress has filed a complaint against a returning officer at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, accusing him of unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at the facility where EVMs are stored.
The BJP has also raised concerns, alleging that a strongroom was opened without authorisation. An inquiry has been initiated into the matter, with reports indicating that several officials have been suspended.
With repolling underway and counting scheduled for Monday, security and monitoring arrangements have been stepped up across the district to ensure order and compliance with electoral guidelines.
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