Death of democracy: Bidhannagar municipal elections turn into battle ground

By Arnab Mitra

Saturday's municipal elections at three municipalities in West Bengal– Asansol, Bidhannagar-Rajarhat and Bally — reported booth capturing along with brick batting and false voters at various booths.

As many as 40% false voters were reported at the election booth at the Karunamoyee crossing, Salt Lake.

At the election booth at Labony Estate Saltlake, the TMCP goons threw bricks and bombs at the police and media personnel.

When a NewsGram reporter chased the goons at the Baishakhi high school, one of them passed him life threatening comments:

"Kahan se aya hai tu? Jaan se maar dunga!"

The Trinamool goons also physically abused the CPI (M) and BJP candidates at many places. One of the CPI(M) polling agent Amit Goswami, was also badly beaten up at a polling booth in Karunamoyee.

Police were mostly absent from these areas and even if present, chose not to intervene.

CPI (M) candidate of Baisakhi, Ofelia Sinha told the press that her repeated complaints were ignored as the State Election Commission and the police are supporting the Trinamool goons.

Photos by: Arnab Mitra