In the backdrop of reports of post-poll violence following the second phase of voting in West Bengal, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal on Thursday directed officials to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach and ensure immediate action against those involved.
TMC's team Nautanki ... in action
Dharna !!
On TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh's now-called off dharna in front of strong room, BJP candidate from Shyampukur,
Purnima Chakraborty says, "The fear of defeat is bothering them. People of Bengal and Shyampukur have given their mandate. That is the bothering the TMC candidate from Shyampukur and she came and sat on a dharna here.
"All their life they did illegal things. Even today, they sat on a dharna in an unlawful manner. They tried to spread rumour. But there is CCTV footage and everything else. Such things should not be done. You bring in TMC goons and make them sloganeer and launch verbal abuse. This is TMC culture.
But I would like to say one thing that today you sat on a dharna, after 4th May people will make you sit on footpath. Aapka khela khatam."
Inside the BJP camp, preparations for a potential victory are already underway, albeit discreetly.
A party insider said arrangements had been made for celebrations, including stockpiling crackers and coloured powder.
“If we secure the mandate, the entire area will be filled with celebrations, However, there are strict instructions of not celebrating or planning before the results are out. Our celebration will begin once the trends are clear,” the insider said.
CEO Agarwal issued the directions during a virtual meeting with senior administrative officials, including district magistrates and superintendents of police, while reviewing the law and order situation.
"Those who created trouble after the polls must be arrested by tonight," Agarwal said, according to sources.
CEO West Bengal conducted a virtual meeting in presence of Spl Observer, CS, Home Secretary, DGP, CP, IG CRPF all observers with all DEOs, CPs, SPs regarding Counting Day readiness and post-poll security deployment across all districts.
Reports of political clashes emerged from several parts of Bengal, hours after the conclusion of the second phase of polling on Wednesday evening, prompting the commission to step up surveillance.
Sources said the CEO stressed that the administration must remain equally vigilant in the post-poll period, as it did during the polling process, and take immediate action in case of any unrest.
While state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya spent the day speaking to candidates, TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh stage dharna alleging attempts to access EVMs.
West Bengal’s political landscape remained sharply polarised on Thursday, as contrasting scenes unfolded at party offices following the conclusion of the second phase of polling in the 2026 Assembly elections.
While BJP workers celebrated buoyed by favourable exit polls, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) struck a note of caution, mobilising cadres to guard counting centres and strongrooms amid allegations of irregularities.
At the BJP’s state headquarters in Salt Lake, the mood was unmistakably upbeat. The office bustled with activity as party workers gathered in anticipation of what they believe will be a decisive victory on May 4.
Despite the physically demanding campaign, visitors continued to stream into the headquarters through the day, carrying flower bouquets and boxes of sweets. The festive atmosphere was further fuelled by the high voter turnout. The first phase of polling on April 23 had recorded over 92% participation, and party leaders credited this as a sign of public support.
“The enthusiasm among workers reflects the people’s mandate,” said a BJP functionary at the headquarters, as preparations quietly began for a possible victory celebration.
However, in stark contrast, most TMC offices across the state remained either closed or operated only briefly in the evening. Party leaders said this was part of a deliberate strategy to avoid vulnerability following alleged intimidation by central forces.
A senior TMC leader from Bhabanipur claimed that party members were avoiding operating from known offices due to security concerns.
“We are planning our strategies from undisclosed locations. Our workers will move in groups to counting centres and strongrooms with proper planning. No one will leave until the last vote is counted,” the leader said.
The heightened vigilance comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a direct appeal to party workers via a video message on social media, urging them to guard strongrooms and counting centres round the clock. “I will ask all our workers and candidates to guard the strongrooms and counting centres. If I can stay awake, you can too."
TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a dharna outside the Netaji Indoor Stadium, which serves as a counting centre.
They alleged attempts to open ballot units without the presence of representatives from all parties. “Efforts are being made to access EVMs without relevant stakeholders present. This raises serious questions about transparency,” they claimed.
Meanwhile, BJP candidates have largely stayed away from the Salt Lake headquarters, choosing instead to remain in their constituencies. Party leaders said this was part of a coordinated effort to monitor strongrooms where EVMs are stored until counting day.
Outside the BJP office, the political fervour has also translated into brisk business for local vendors. Biswajit Das, a tea seller who operates a stall near the headquarters, said the election season had significantly boosted his earnings.
“In the past three months, I barely had time to rest. My daily income tripled during the campaign,” he said, adding that he plans to close his shop on counting day and return to his native village. A former CPI(M) supporter who now backs the BJP, Das expressed confidence in the party’s chances. “I believe they will form the government,” he said.
A larger number of supporters from neighbouring districts also made their way to the BJP headquarters, many arriving in advance of the results to express their optimism.
“We expect to be here from early morning on counting day, so we are congratulating our leaders in advance as they will be busy on counting day,” said Pradipto Ghosh, who travelled from Shyamnagar.
ENDS
No comments:
Post a Comment