Violence Erupts In West Bengal Rural Polls, 16 Killed

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Violence erupts during West Bengal rural polls, resulting in 16 casualties

At least 16 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a wave of violence that erupted across various districts of West Bengal on the day of the rural polls in the state. The incidents of violence were reported from seven districts, despite the deployment of over 1 lakh central forces by the state election commission (SEC) to ensure a peaceful election.

Worst-hit district: Murshidabad, with 5 fatalities

Among the affected districts, Murshidabad suffered the most, with five individuals losing their lives. Coochbehar recorded three fatalities, while North Dinajpur and Malda reported four and one deaths, respectively. Nadia, East Burdwan, and South 24 Parganas each witnessed one casualty.

Political affiliations do not spare supporters

The deceased individuals comprised supporters from various political parties, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Communist Party of India (Marxist).

In Beldanga, Murshidabad, an alleged BJP supporter shot dead a TMC supporter. A clash between TMC and BJP supporters in Dinhata, Coochbehar, resulted in the death of a BJP supporter. Similarly, a TMC supporter lost his life in Raiganj, North Dinajpur, during a clash with BJP supporters. In Kaliachak, Malda, a Congress supporter was killed in a clash with TMC supporters. Krishnanagar, Nadia, witnessed a clash between TMC and BJP supporters, leading to the death of a TMC supporter. In Durgapur, East Burdwan, a clash between TMC and BJP supporters claimed the life of a BJP supporter. Lastly, a clash in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, resulted in the death of a TMC supporter.

Condemnation from SEC and state government

The state election commission (SEC) strongly condemned the violence and vowed to take stringent action against the perpetrators. The state government also expressed its disapproval of the violence, emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance toward any form of violence.

Implications for West Bengal rural polls

The outbreak of violence has cast a dark cloud over the rural polls in West Bengal, which are widely regarded as a litmus test of power between the TMC and the BJP. While the TMC aims to maintain its dominance in the rural areas, the BJP seeks to expand its influence within the state.

Concerns over voter and candidate safety

The incidents of violence have raised concerns regarding the safety of both voters and candidates. The SEC has appealed to voters to exercise their rights without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures are in place to safeguard their well-being.

Phased rural polls and result announcement

The rural polls in West Bengal are being conducted in eight phases, starting from June 27 and concluding on July 19. The results of the polls will be announced on July 21, culminating the electoral process.

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