Kolkata Municipal elections: Violence mars polls, crude bomb hurled near Raj Bhawan

Civic polls in Kolkata began on Saturday, amid numerous allegations of strong arm tactics by the ruling Trinamool Congress. Around 19 percent polling was recorded in the first two hours, but violence and allegations of rigging were reported across sections of the city.

Crude bombs were hurled in front of the Raj Bhawan on Council House Street, allegedly targeting the Congress camp office. A few Congress supporters were injured in the incident and Congress candidate Santosh Pathak rushed to the spot.

Another bomb was hurled in ward 60 of Beniapukur in front of Islamia School, which has been converted into a polling premise. In another incident, a bomb was hurled in front of the Beniapukur police station. The CPI(M) have pointed fingers at the ruling Trinamool Congress. However, the TMC ruled out any role in the violence. Meanwhile, the BJP is silent and has not reported any case of violence across the city.

In ward 134, a person was held by the police for allegedly breaking an EVM. The person held is reportedly a Congress polling agent.

Meanwhile, officials of the West Bengal State Election Commission have maintained that the polling process has been peaceful and no major incidents have been reported. “We have received reports of polling agents being stopped and other small incidents. The election process so far is peaceful,” said Sabyasachi Ghosh, Officer on Special Duty, West Bengal State Election Commission.

This apart, opposition party leaders claimed that voters were not allowed to cast their vote in several areas. Areas of Kankurgachi, Baghajatin, Santoshpur, Ganguly Bagan, Metiabruz, Beliaghata reported widespread violence.

Three rounds of shots were fired at CPI(M) leader Fuad Halim, in front of the Indian Museum. While he was unhurt, he filed a complaint with the New Market police station. “Trinamool Congress supporters tried to capture the booth at ward 36. When they could not do so, they fired shots at me. I have filed a complaint with the West Bengal State Election Commission and the Kolkata Police,” said Halim.

1077 candidates are contesting the election in which 38 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect a new KMC board. At present the municipal corporation is ruled by TMC which had 95 seats. 

(With Agency Inputs)