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Unrest and Destruction at West Bengal Panchayat Polls: Polling Booth in Coochbehar Targeted in Violent Incident
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Kolkata, West Bengal: Disturbing incidents have marred the single-phase panchayat polls in West Bengal, as a polling booth at Baravita Primary School in Sitai, Coochbehar, was reportedly vandalized and ballot papers set on fire. A viral video obtained by ANI showcases the aftermath of the incident, revealing broken furniture and a smoke-filled room. The panchayat polls commenced this morning under tight security measures.
Violence has plagued the state since the announcement of the election dates on June 8. Instances of violence were reported during the nomination process, and unfortunately, similar incidents have continued to occur.
In the most recent clash, just hours before the panchayat polls, a house was vandalized in Murshidabad, where Trinamool Congress and Congress workers engaged in a physical altercation. Local police were promptly alerted and reached the scene to assess the situation.
Another incident involved the alleged attack on the residence of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Kalmati area of Bamanhat II Gram Panchayat in Dinhata. The injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Coochbehar.
Furthermore, the police conducted a search operation based on information regarding the stockpiling of crude bombs and weapons in South 24 Parganas district. Although the police acted swiftly upon receiving the tip, no such items have been discovered as of yet.
Multiple incidents of violence have been reported in the state in the lead-up to the panchayat elections. On July 1, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker was allegedly shot dead in the South 24 Parganas district, while another TMC worker was reportedly beaten to death in the Malda district.
These polls are anticipated to witness a fierce battle for control of local administrations between the ruling TMC and the BJP. They serve as a significant test for both parties ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year.
Approximately 5.67 crore voters are expected to cast their votes to elect representatives for nearly 928 seats across 22 zilla parishads, 9,730 panchayat samitis, and 63,239 gram panchayats. West Bengal is home to 3,341 gram panchayats, with 58,594 village panchayat election centers. The total number of seats at the gram panchayat, panchayat samiti, and zila parishad levels are 63,239, 9,730, and 928, respectively.
The vote counting process is scheduled to take place on July 11, where the results will determine the future course of local governance in West Bengal.