West Bengal Panchayat elections: 11 killed in violence and destruction on March polling day – 10 big things

Violence broke out during the panchayat elections in West Bengal, in which 11 people tragically died. The casualties included six members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) as well as one worker each from the BJP, CPI(M), Congress, ISF and an unidentified person. Along with the deaths, there were injuries in clashes between the opposing factions, while many ballot boxes were destroyed across the state. The polling process began at 7 am, in which a total of 73,887 seats and 5.67 crore voters participated. 36.66% polling was recorded till 1 pm. These incidents have raised concerns about the security and fairness of the elections.

BJP polling agent killed, accused of being linked to TMC

In Coochbehar district’s Falimari gram panchayat, the BJP claimed that their polling agent Madhab Biswas was killed. According to the BJP, TMC supporters prevented Biswas from entering the polling booth, leading to a clash that led to his death. However, TMC has denied these allegations. Meanwhile, a supporter of an independent candidate was injured in Kadambagachi in North 24 Parganas district, but initial reports of the man’s death were corrected to indicate that he was seriously injured and was on ventilator support. Had been.

TMC workers killed, allegations and counter-allegations

Two TMC workers lost their lives in separate incidents. Babar Ali was killed in overnight violence at Kapasdanga in Murshidabad district, while another TMC worker Sabiruddin SK was killed in Khargram. The TMC alleged that Ganesh Sarkar, a member of the booth committee in Tufanganj 2 Panchayat Samiti in Coochbehar, was killed in an attack by the BJP. TMC leader’s brother Malek Sheikh was killed in a clash with Congress supporters in Malda district. TMC also claimed the murder of one of its workers in Chhapra, Nadia. Besides, an ISF worker Saidul Shaikh was killed in clashes with TMC at Haringhata in Nadia district. Disputes exist between the parties regarding the responsibility for these deaths.

Incidents of destruction of ballot boxes and intimidation were reported

Besides loss of life, incidents of destruction of ballot boxes and intimidation of voters were also reported. At Dinhata in Cooch Behar district, ballot boxes were vandalized and ballot papers set on fire at a booth at the Baravita Government Primary School. In Baranchina area, local people set fire to the ballot box alleging wrong voting. Protests were held in various areas demanding the deployment of central forces. Women voters in Nandigram surrounded a police officer with poison bottles, demanding the presence of central forces. Governor CV Anand Bose visited different areas and expressed concern over the incidents and listened to the complaints of the people.

Questions on the response of political parties and deployment of central forces

The ruling TMC questioned the absence of central forces, which was requested by the BJP, CPI(M) and Congress. He expressed concern over the targeted killings of TMC workers. The TMC also alleged that BSF personnel tried to create chaos in a border village at Gitaldaha in Cooch Behar. CPI(M) state secretary Mohd Salim shared a video on social media showing ballot boxes lying open in the field, raising questions on the election process. At least 600 companies of central forces were deployed along with 70,000 state police for the election. The BJP criticized the State Election Commission (SEC) for not using central forces enough.

Importance of elections and party participation

These elections hold significance for political parties as they provide an opportunity to assess their organizational strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The ruling TMC is contesting all 928 Zilla Parishad seats, 9,419 Panchayat Samiti seats and 61,591 Gram Panchayat seats. The BJP has fielded candidates for 897 Zilla Parishad seats, 7,032 Panchayat Samiti seats and 38,475 Gram Panchayat seats. The CPI(M) is fighting for 747 Zilla Parishad seats, 6,752 Panchayat Samiti seats and 35,411 Gram Panchayat seats. The Congress is contesting 644 Zilla Parishad seats, 2,197 Panchayat Samiti seats and 11,774 Gram Panchayat seats.