Before the counting of votes in West Bengal, there was a big uproar outside the strong room of Bhawanipur. Mamata Banerjee sat on strike for four hours on the allegation of allowing a vehicle with BJP flag to enter. The Election Commission has given clarification on the matter.
Just before the counting of votes begins in West Bengal, the political atmosphere has once again become heated. While all the parties are keeping an eye on the security of the strong room before the election results, a new controversy has arisen in Bhawanipur assembly constituency of the capital Kolkata. It is alleged that vehicles carrying BJP flags were allowed to enter the strong room premises, after which Trinamool Congress workers protested fiercely. The situation became so tense that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself reached the spot and sat on strike for about four hours. This entire incident has happened at a time when less than 24 hours are left for the counting of votes to begin in the state and a close contest is being considered between the political parties.
Controversy escalates outside Sakhawat Memorial Girls School
The incident took place at Sakhawat Memorial Girls School in Kolkata, where strong rooms have been made. Trinamool Congress workers allege that some vehicles were allowed inside the campus without adequate checking. TMC supporters say that BJP flag and logo were installed on one vehicle, while “Army” was also written on the vehicle. It was alleged that the vehicle was allowed to proceed without safety checks, to which party workers strongly objected. After the incident, a large number of TMC supporters gathered outside the school and started sloganeering.
Also read: If you break traffic rules in Delhi, now it is difficult to escape, government brought new strict system
Mamata Banerjee sat on strike for four hours
Seeing the situation, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also reached the spot. He alleged that some people and vehicles were allowed to enter the strong room area without permission. Mamata Banerjee sat on strike for about four hours and raised questions on the transparency of the election process. He said that any kind of carelessness before counting of votes can raise questions on the democratic process. According to political analysts, Bhawanipur assembly seat is considered very important for Mamata Banerjee, hence the sensitivity regarding security has increased further here.
What allegations did TMC workers make?
Speaking to news agency PTI, a TMC worker claimed that police were strictly checking normal vehicles, and even cycles were being checked. But during this time a vehicle was allowed to enter without any restriction. Another worker said the vehicle was white in color with the BJP logo on it and “Army” written on the back. His question was that when all the other vehicles were being checked, then how was that vehicle allowed to enter without checking. After these allegations the tension in the area increased further.
Election Commission gave clarification
There has also been a reaction from the Election Commission on the entire controversy. A senior Election Commission official said the vehicle concerned was passing through Harish Mukherjee Road only. According to the official, security forces and police had examined the vehicle and no objectionable material was found in it. After this he was allowed to proceed further. The Election Commission says that the protocol set for the security of the counting centers is being followed and no irregularity will be allowed.
Why is vigilance increasing before counting of votes?
This time the election contest in West Bengal is considered to be very tough. This is the reason why political parties are constantly monitoring the security of the strong room. The presence of party workers is being seen outside the strong room in many parts of the state. Controversies and demonstrations have arisen at many places even over small incidents. Experts believe that in hotly contested elections, the security and transparency of the strong room becomes one of the most sensitive issues.
Counting of votes will start from 8 am on Monday
Counting of votes for 293 assembly seats in the state will begin at 8 am on Monday, May 4. Except Falta assembly seat, results of all other seats will be declared. Along with this, results of other electoral states will also be revealed. The eyes of political parties and supporters are now fixed on the day of counting of votes, because on the same day it will become clear in whose hands the power of West Bengal will go. This dispute that took place in Bhawanipur before the counting of votes clearly indicates that the election atmosphere is still not completely calm and political activities may intensify in the coming hours.
Also read: Big announcement by CM Mohan Yadav, Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor will change the fate of farmers