‘Peaceful polls’: About 72% turnout in 3 LS seats in state till 5 pm
DARJEELING: Polling passed off by and large peacefully in the second phase on Friday with Darjeeling, Balurghat and Raiganj Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls. Voter turnout of over 72 per cent was registered till 5 pm, an EC official said.
There were, however, reports of EVM malfunctioning in these constituencies. Polling per cent was less in Darjeeling as it recorded 73.64 per cent polls at 6 pm while Balurghat recorded 72.30 per cent and Raiganj 71.87 per cent till 5 pm.
Senior TMC leaders Bratya Basu and Chandrima Bhattacharya held a press conference in Kolkata on Friday evening, where they expressed their confidence about winning the three Lok Sabha seats that went to polls on Friday.
Bratya Basu said: “Since this morning, BJP has tried to disturb the peace of the election. We have noticed that there were malfunctions in EVMs and VVPAD in three LS constituencies, especially in Balurghat. Therefore, there were delays in casting votes. The results on June 4 will definitely show, people of Bengal through the ballot, that the power of Bengal will be in the hands of the daughter of Bengal.”
He also criticized Sukanta Majumder, the state president of the BJP and BJP candidate from Balurghat. “On this day, the candidate tried to create chaos and misbehaved with the Inspector-In-Charge.”
Chandrima Bhattacharya said: “After June 4, BJP candidates from Cooch Behar and Balurghat will go on leave. Thereafter, the BJP will have no power. During the recent poll, BJP candidates attempted to stop people from casting votes and also tried to stop women. However, a large number of women have cast their votes. BJP candidate Raju Bista used provocative language against people and instigated Central Forces by saying that the forces should fire at them.