Allegations of violence emerge in Bengal during Lok Sabha Polls

During the first phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections, there were multiple Lok Sabha polls Violence Bengal. In Dinhata, a Trinamool Block President got hurt and had to be taken to the hospital. In Coochbehar’s Sitalkuchi, a BJP worker was attacked with a sickle-like weapon while on his way to vote and ended up in the hospital too. Similar incidents were reported from Bhetaguri, Dinhata, Sitai, and other areas.

Altogether, the Election Commission received 151 reports of violence in Bengal, with 8 from the BJP and 7 from the Trinamool Congress. Nisith Pramanik, a BJP candidate, accused the Trinamool of creating the violence at polling stations to hinder voting. He claimed that Trinamool's presence leads to violence and deprivation of people's democratic rights. He also alleged that police were siding with Trinamool and attacking BJP workers.

The constituency of Cooch Behar, where the Rajbanshis hold significant sway, saw intense competition. Union Minister Nishith Pramanik contested on a BJP ticket against the Trinamool's sitting MLA, Jagadish Chandra Basunia. Clashes between political parties Trinamool and BJP were also reported in Chandmari and Dinhata.

Overall, there was a voter turnout of 15% in West Bengal by 9 am, according to data from the Election Commission's TURNOUT app. The constituencies of Jalpaiguri , Coochbehar, and Alipurduars were among the first to vote out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.

In this phase, over 56 lakh voters were eligible to vote across 5,814 booths, comprising women, men, and third-gender individuals. The elections in West Bengal are crucial, and the first phase witnessed intense competition and reported incidents of election violence, making it a closely watched event.