The violence and clashes in Mamata Banerjee‘s West Bengal continued in the fourth phase too, with the Central ruling Bharatiya Janata Party approached the Poll Body with a complaint asking to deploy Central Forces.
A High-level Delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party Spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi addressing the media said that ‘We have asked deputation of central forces at all polling booths so that free and fair elections can be held in the state’.
Union Minister Vijay Goel and Anil Baluni also accompanied Naqvi to meet ECI officials. BJP’s Delegation meets the EC after a fight and violence broke out between Trinamool Congress workers and security personnel outside Jamuria polling booth in Asansol of West Bengal.
#WATCH Clash between TMC workers and security personnel at polling booth number 199 in Asansol. A TMC polling agent said, 'no BJP polling agent was present at the booth.' BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. pic.twitter.com/goOmFRG96L
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019
While earlier in the day BJP Candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo‘s car was vandalized by when he was sitting inside in the car by the Trinamool Congress workers. Speaking to media, Supriyo said,’ BJP in the state is fighting to establish democracy’ he added while slamming TMC saying that voters are not being allowed to vote free.
He added, ‘I will myself take the central forces to that polling station. It is very good that people in West Bengal are aware&they want central forces so that they can cast their vote. This is why Mamata Banerjee is scared.’
Union Minister&BJP candidate from Asansol Babul Supriyo: I will myself take the central forces to that polling station. It is very good that people in West Bengal are aware&they want central forces so that they can cast their vote. This is why Mamata Banerjee is scared. pic.twitter.com/mYmeKRAWH1
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019
While West Bengal ruling Trinamool Congress also knocked EC and registered a complaint against BJP Candidate Babul Supriyo and seek poll body intervention on the whole issue. TMC also alleged Babul Supriyo of the altercation with poll officials at the polling stations.
Trinamool Congress in a letter to Election Commission stated that ‘There were various instances where on instructions of BJP leaders, Central Forces acted in a manner which is not conducive to free & fair elections in West Bengal’.
Babul Supriyo is contesting the national elections against TMC Nominee Munmun Sen.
TMC in a letter to EC over alleged "Illegal action of central forces & violation of MCC by BJP candidates" in West Bengal: There were various instances where on instructions of BJP leaders, Central Forces acted in a manner which is not conducive to free & fair elections in WB. pic.twitter.com/aixme1SjJd
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019
Just like in the initial three phases, Voting in the fourth phase of the state is underway amidst clashes and violence. 52.3% voter turnout recorded in the state till 1 pm.
General Elections 2019 is being held across seven phases starting April 11 to May 19. The voting on 72 Parliamentary constituencies as a part of Phase-IV is underway today.
Counting of the votes will be held on May 23.
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