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TMC Accused of Voter Intimidation

Father of the junior doctor who was raped and murdered in the RG Kar Medical college has alleged voter intimidation and that security forces are not taking action during the polling for 142 seats in the second phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal that began on Wednesday.

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Sekharranjan Debnath, father of the doctor victim of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case and whose wife is contesting the polls on a BJP ticket from Panihati, said that voters were coming out early to vote and claimed there was strong public sentiment against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, which he described as the "Darinda ka government hai" (government of monsters). He further alleged that TMC workers were threatening voters while Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were not taking action.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "People are trying to vote as early as possible. The public is on the ground to remove the TMC Govt, the govt of monsters... TMC people here are threatening voters, but the CRPF personnel are not doing anything." "We have complained about this. Following this, they (TMC) were removed from here. They were about 50 in number," he said. Targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Debnath added, "Whatever she says is a lie. The reality is entirely different..."

BJP Candidate Reports Possible EVM Issue

Meanwhile, the mother of RG Kar college victim and BJP candidate, Ratna Debnath, claimed that there was a possible issue with the EVM button while casting her vote and said she would inform polling officials. She thanked early voters, urged others to turn out in large numbers, and expressed hope for justice.

Speaking to ANI, Debnath said, "I feel there is some problem with the press button on the EVM. It is taking time to press it; I will inform the officer. I thank every voter who came early to vote, and I appeal to all voters to come out and vote. I believe I will get justice."

Second Phase of Polling Underway

The second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 commenced at 7 am today. covering nearly half of the state's total assembly seats, 142 (out of 294). The constituencies are spread over seven districts, including Kolkata, Nadia, East Burdwan, Hooghly, South and North 24 Parganas, and Howrah.

The total electorate is around 3.21 crore (Male: 1,64,35,627 and Female: 1,57,37,418 and Third Gender: 792). 1,448 candidates are in the fray, including 220 women at 41,001 polling stations, with over 8,000 managed entirely by women.

The second phase is a major one in the state election, covering 142 of the total 294 Assembly seats. Around 3.21 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, including 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women and 792 third gender voters.

The results of West Bengal polls will be declared on May 4, along with the outcome of polls in Assam, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. (ANI)