West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC candidate from Bhabanipur, Mamata Banerjee, alleged “excesses carried out by the Central Forces and widespread intimidation of voters by security personnel” during the second phase of voting for the high-stakes Assembly elections on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after casting her vote, Banerjee alleged that Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed for security were beating up people.
“They are not sparing women and children as well,” she said after a video surfaced on social media showing people arguing with the security personnel after a child was allegedly hurt.
However, it was not immediately clear how the child was injured. “From yesterday, they have arrested so many people. I have never seen this type of democracy,” she said.
Asserting that the alleged assault on people by the central forces is “contempt of court”, the Bengal CM claimed that there were no state police at the booths.
“I have been fighting elections since 1984 but I have never seen such atrocities,” Banerjee added.