Widespread incidents of violence marked the civic polls in Saltlake and Asansol on Saturday. In most cases, people accused the Mamata Banerjee-led ruling party for initiating and spreading the violence.
To add to the worries of the Trinamool Congress, at least a dozen were attacked while they were at the spot, while discharging they their duties, capturing rigging and booth jamming. Trouble started at Saltlake at around 9.00 pm in ward 41, which later became the focal point of all controversies, as outsiders marched on the streets without prevention of police and captured booths.
West Bengal Municipality Elections: Journalists attacked by mob led by TMC leader
Sporadic cases of violence were reported from across the Salt Lake and Asansol area. While in some places, bombs and stones were hurled at the police, the police in return had to resort to lathicharge to disperse agitators. At several places, shots were fired, leaving many injured. Opposition parties demanded re-polling and claimed that the polls were rigged.
ABP Ananda reporter Aritrik Bhattacharya was bleeding profusely
Motor bikes set on fire at Saltlake
Meanwhile, the BJP state president, Rahul Sinha along with other leaders have sit on a ‘dharna’ at the State Election Commission demanding re-polling. Condemning alleged rigging, Left Front has called a 12-hour bandh in Saltlake and Rajarhat on Monday.
Police dispersing agitators
Bystander injured while casting his vote
Meanwhile, the State Election Commissioner Sushanta Ranjan Upadhaya admitted receiving complaints about rigging, booth jamming and sporadic violence. “We have received several complaints, we are looking into it,” said Upadhyay.
