9 dead in violence as Bengal votes for panchayat polls

At least nine people were killed and several others injured in election-related violence in West Bengal as the state went to polls for the first phase of panchayat elections.

The violence took place in different parts of the state, including Birbhum, Purulia, Murshidabad, and Nadia. In Birbhum, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker was killed in clashes with supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In Purulia, a BJP worker was killed in firing by unidentified miscreants. In Murshidabad, a clash between supporters of the TMC and the Congress left two people dead. And in Nadia, a clash between supporters of the TMC and the Left Front left one person dead.

The Election Commission has ordered a probe into the violence. The state government has also promised to take action against the perpetrators. The panchayat polls are being held in eight phases, starting on today The results will be announced on July 27. Governor CV Ananda Bose visited several areas in North 24 Parganas to meet with people who had been injured in the violence and to hear their complaints.

This visit was prompted by the recent outbreak of violence in the state during the campaign period for the upcoming rural elections. The elections will be held in a single phase, with the votes being counted on July 11.

A ballot box at a polling booth in Baranachina, Dinhata, Cooch Behar district was set on fire by voters who were allegedly angry about reports of bogus voting taking place.

The violence in West Bengal is a reminder of the challenges that the state faces ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The TMC is hoping to retain power in the state, but it faces a challenge from the BJP, which is making inroads in West Bengal.

A ballot box at a polling booth in Baranachina, Dinhata, Cooch Behar district was also set on fire by voters who were allegedly angry about reports of bogus voting taking place.

West Bengal LoP and BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari leader reacting on the Bengal panchayat polls stated, “This is not an election, this is death. There is a fire of violence across the state. Central forces have not been deployed. Cctvs are not operating. This is the collusion of TMC goons and police and that is why so murders are happening.”

The violence is also a reminder of the need for political parties to ensure that the polls are conducted peacefully.

Also read: https://www.newsx.com/polling-begins-in-violence-hit-rural-bengal-panchayat-elections/