PM Modi said the scale of turnout in Phase 2 mirrored the first phase, underlining a significant shift in the electoral environment. According to him, voters were exercising their franchise without fear, something he suggested had not been the norm in previous elections in the state.
In the Chinsurah Assembly constituency, complaints emerged from booths 27 to 29, where reports alleged that TMC camps were dismantled and voter lists torn. There were also claims that party supporters drove away central forces from the vicinity.
Nearly 20 months after losing her daughter in a case that sparked widespread outrage, Debnath entered the political arena, saying her contest is driven by the demand for justice and accountability.
The unrest follows a night of violence marked by allegations of crude bomb attacks, door-to-door intimidation and clashes that left several people injured. Competing narratives emerged from both sides, ISF accusing ruling TMC leaders of orchestrating fear, while TMC pointed fingers at police excesses and dismissed claims of targeted attacks.
The ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is aiming for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP has mounted an aggressive campaign to unseat the incumbent government.
Violence in Jagatdal days before polling prompts ECI to demand swift arrests, as security is stepped up across key constituencies in North 24 Parganas and Kolkata.
At Booth No. 68 in Labhpur, BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted by TMC workers, leaving him with a head injury. The episode has added to the growing list of complaints of violence and intimidation during polling.
The clash took place when Kabir visited areas in Nowda where a crude bomb hurling incident had been reported a day earlier. Kabir claimed that irregularities were reported at two polling booths in Nowda.
Adhikari will also contest from Nandigram, where he defeated CM Banerjee in the 2021 Assembly Elections.
