Kolkata: Incidents of violence, vandalism and disruptions were reported from several parts of West Bengal during the early hours of polling in the second phase of assembly elections on Wednesday.
Police said unrest was reported from Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar as voting began under heightened security arrangements.
Assault in Chapra
At booth number 53 in Chapra, a BJP polling agent was allegedly attacked with a rod. BJP leaders claimed the assault was carried out by “miscreants linked to the ruling TMC”.
The injured agent, identified as Mosharef Mir, was admitted to hospital. BJP candidate Saikat Sarkar said, “TMC supporters obstructed the BJP agent and hit him on the head, causing injury.”
The TMC denied the allegations. The victim claimed 15–16 people attacked him, adding that one person was carrying a gun.
Vandalism and booth disputes
In Shantipur, a BJP camp office in ward number 16 was found vandalised, with furniture damaged.
Meanwhile, in Bhangar, it was alleged that an ISF polling agent was stopped from entering a booth. ISF leader Arabul Islam said, “Agents’ forms are being snatched and they are being thrown out… Women are not being allowed to vote. We placed agents so that everyone can vote.”
No independent verification of these claims was immediately available.
Polling delay sparks tension
In Nimtala, polling at booth number 140 was delayed beyond 7:30 am, leading to unrest among voters.
Officials said, “We have sought reports from the respective officials posted in these areas. They have been asked to ensure that polling is free and fair and everyone can participate without intimidation.”
Mamata visits polling booths
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a rare on-ground appearance at polling booths in her Bhabanipur assembly constituency on Wednesday as voting is underway.
Unlike previous elections, when she typically avoided visiting booths during polling hours, Banerjee stepped out early in the day. She reportedly visited Firhad Hakim’s residence before touring several polling stations.
Traditionally, the TMC chief casts her vote later in the day, leaving her Kalighat residence in the afternoon to vote at Mitra Institution school. However, this time she began her visits before 8 am, covering multiple booths, including those in the Chetla area of south Kolkata.
West Bengal Assembly elections Phase 2
Polling is currently underway across 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, with extensive security arrangements in place.
Voting began at 7 am, with long queues seen outside polling stations across key districts including Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly and Purba Bardhaman — regions that form the electoral core of the state.
The polling process will continue until 6 pm. The first phase, held on April 23, recorded a turnout of 93.19 per cent, the highest in the state’s history. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.