Mamata Banerjee Slams Central Forces Over Voter Harassment

Kolkata (IANS): After casting her vote at Mitra Institution in the Bhabanipur constituency around 4:30 PM on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leveled serious allegations against the central forces. She claimed that personnel deployed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) harassed and physically assaulted innocent voters, including women and children, during the second phase of the Assembly elections.

Allegations of Selective Targeting

The Chief Minister accused the central forces of operating under the direct instructions of ECI-appointed police observers to selectively target Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, workers, and polling agents.

“Is it really a free and fair poll? I have seen the central forces resorting to so many atrocities,” Banerjee told reporters. She further criticized the deployment of observers from other states, arguing that a lack of knowledge of the Bengali language created a communication gap that led to unnecessary crackdowns on local citizens.

Reports of Violence Across Districts

Banerjee highlighted specific regions where she claimed atrocities began as early as Tuesday night:

• Hooghly District: Arambagh, Khanakul, and Goghat.

• Nadia District: Various pockets reported disturbances.

• South 24 Parganas: Specific mention of the Canning area.

She also extended her criticism to certain officers-in-charge within both the Kolkata and West Bengal Police departments. Despite these reports and sporadic tensions in Bhabanipur—where central forces used baton charges to disperse crowds—the Chief Minister expressed absolute confidence in a TMC victory.

The Bhabanipur Context

Banerjee serves as the sitting MLA and is currently defending her traditional stronghold against the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari. While Bhabanipur saw moments of agitation throughout the day, authorities reported no casualties or major injuries.