Tension marked polling day in parts of West Bengal during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, with a tragic death and a series of allegations adding to the charged atmosphere. A 50-year-old woman, identified as Isratan Bibi, collapsed and died shortly after casting her vote at a polling booth in Keshpur.
According to local sources, she fell ill immediately after stepping out of the booth. Despite efforts by nearby residents to provide medical assistance, she could not be revived and passed away on the spot.
Isratan, a resident of Sima Geria locality, had reportedly been under severe emotional distress following the removal of her husband’s name from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Family members said that the development had caused significant anxiety, with fears surrounding his citizenship status. Despite this, she went to vote on Thursday morning but tragically collapsed soon after.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Shiuli Saha visited the bereaved family and expressed condolences. She later held Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India responsible for the situation, launching a sharp attack over the conduct of polling.
Shiuli also accused central security forces of interfering in the electoral process. She alleged that personnel stationed at certain booths, including areas like Palangpur and Golapjhipi, were directly instructing voters to cast their ballots in favour of the BJP. She further claimed that forces had resorted to lathi-charge outside the permitted perimeter near a booth in Bajuara.
“I have informed the Election Commission about these incidents,” Shiuli said, alleging excessive intervention by central forces.
Meanwhile, reports of technical glitches with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) surfaced from multiple areas, leading to long queues and delays. It was also alleged that Shiuli herself faced difficulty in casting her vote due to such issues.
In a contrasting development, allegations of inaction by central forces emerged from Raninagar, Murshidabad, where complaints suggested that security personnel were not visible despite reports of disturbances. Locals claimed that no patrolling had been conducted since the previous night.
Elsewhere in Domkal, TMC candidate Humayun Kabir rushed to a polling station at Raipur High School following complaints of voter intimidation. The Election Commission has sought an action taken report on the incidents reported from the area.
As polling continues, the developments from multiple constituencies highlight both administrative challenges and political tensions, with the Election Commission yet to issue a detailed response on several of the allegations.
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