West Bengal’s Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly bypolls turned politically tense on Tuesday after opposition parties alleged that voters and polling agents were being intimidated and prevented from exercising their franchise.
The Congress demanded fresh polling in both constituencies, alleging irregularities, intimidation and the forcible removal of its polling agents. These allegations have not been independently established.
Claims of Voters Being Stopped
In Nandigram, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan alleged that voters faced intimidation and accused police and security personnel of failing to act on complaints. Congress also alleged that some polling agents were prevented from entering booths.
In Rejinagar, Congress candidate Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi staged a sit-in outside the local police station, demanding cancellation of the polling and a fresh vote. The Congress alleged that its agents were forcibly removed from numerous booths.
Humayun Kabir Detained After Argument
Rejinagar also witnessed a confrontation involving Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir. After casting his vote, Kabir accused police of intimidating voters and later had a heated exchange with officers at his party office. Police detained him following the confrontation.
Election Officials Say Polling Was Largely Peaceful
The allegations came despite officials describing polling as largely peaceful. By 3 pm, Nandigram recorded 71.79% turnout and Rejinagar 69.29%, according to election officials. Adequate central forces were deployed across both constituencies.
By 5 pm, combined turnout had reached around 79%, showing that a large number of voters were able to cast their ballots.
BJP Rejects Allegations
The BJP dismissed the opposition's accusations and maintained that the polling process was fair. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who voted in Nandigram, described the polling there as peaceful. The bypoll results are scheduled to be declared on October 9.