Phase VI: Battlefield Bengal

Widespread violence seen in many constituencies even as voters come out in large numbers

Different polling booths turned into battlefields in North 24 Parganas after the cadres of BJP and TMC clashed with each other. At Khardah, Barrackpore and

Halisahar, bombing incidents were also seen.

Incidentally, amidst violence, the total turnout in the sixth phase of polling till 5 pm was recorded at 79.08 per cent. In Nadia, the turnout was recorded at Nadia 82.70 per cent, in North 24 Parganas it was 76.19 per cent, in East Burdwan the total turnout was 82.13 per cent and in North Dinajpur the total turnout was 77.90 per cent.

BJP candidate Shubrangshu Roy while visiting booths was gheraoed and abused by TMC supporters.

BJP MP Arjun Singh claimed that TMC had broken even his party office and hurled bombs at Barrackpore.

“Several bombs were hurled even at Barrackpore and stones were pelted on BJP supporters,” said Singh.

In Titagarh area of Barrackpore constituency, clashes broke out between TMC and BJP supporters, following which bombs were hurled at each other, leading to severe injuries to five BJP activists.

Film director-turned-TMC candidate Raj Chakraborty was gheraoed in the Barrackpore constituency by BJP supporters, who accused him of influencing voters.

At Halisahar alleged TMC goons looted the house of a BJP supporter and also beat up his aged mother and assaulted his wife.

“TMC cadres since Wednesday night asked us not to go out to vote. But since we have gone out to vote they have hit my mother and me and have assaulted my wife,” claimed the BJP leader.

According to local people three people were injured after West Bengal police opened fire.