West Bengal votes in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29, as Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien throws a direct challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to resign if Mamata Banerjee and the TMC secure victory in the state.
In a video message, Derek says Modi had declared himself the candidate for all 294 seats in Bengal and asks him to back his words by stepping down on May 4 if the TMC wins.
Voters are casting ballots across 142 assembly constituencies in seven districts, many considered Trinamool strongholds and impacted by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Around 32.1 million electors are deciding the fate of 1,448 candidates in this phase. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party, currently in opposition in the state, intensifies its campaign efforts, with PM Modi addressing 19 rallies since March 15.
West Bengal: “They are picking up our boys,” alleges TMC leaders
West Bengal votes in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29. TMC MP Derek O’Brien challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asks him to resign if Mamata Banerjee and the TMC win.
In a video message, Derek says Modi claimed he was the candidate for all 294 seats. He urges him to step down on May 4 if the TMC wins.
Voters cast ballots across 142 constituencies in seven districts. Many of these are Trinamool strongholds. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has also impacted them.
Around 32.1 million electors are voting in this phase. They will decide the fate of 1,448 candidates.
Meanwhile, the BJP steps up its campaign in the state. PM Modi has addressed 19 rallies since March 15.
West Bengal: Voters protest alleged EVM glitch as turnout nears 40%
Violence and vandalism break out in parts of West Bengal as final-phase voting begins, with reports of EVM glitches and delays in Hooghly. CRPF personnel detain two people in Bally after a clash over similar claims.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accuses central forces of following BJP directions. She shows a video to the media and claims attackers beat a Trinamool worker. She questions the fairness of the voting process.
Banerjee contests as one of 1,448 candidates across 142 constituencies. She faces BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in a high-stakes Bhabanipur battle.
The BJP aims to win a stronger mandate after securing 77 seats in 2021.
Authorities tighten security across the state before polling. They deploy nearly 2,400 CAPF companies to maintain order and protect voters.
Election officials say they are ready for any situation. Some teams carry body cameras, and CAPF personnel guard strong rooms. CCTV cameras monitor entry points, and candidates can view the footage.
Officials station four security personnel at each polling booth and install at least two webcams at every booth to ensure transparency.
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