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Kolkata voting saw BJP leaders including Mithun Chakraborty express hopes of 90 percent turnout, while candidates raised EVM concerns, violence allegations, and appeals for participation. Abhaya’s mother entered polls seeking justice as voting covered 142 constituencies across six districts statewide
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Ahead of phase two polling in West Bengal, the Election Commission has asked the NIA to prevent use of crude bombs amid rising violence concerns. The move follows recent recoveries of explosives and past incidents of post-poll clashes
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The government has ruled out any immediate hike in petrol and diesel prices despite rising crude oil costs and panic buying in some states. Officials assured adequate fuel supplies and urged the public not to believe rumours
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Deployment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as election observer in West Bengal sparked political controversy, with SP alleging bias toward BJP. Tensions escalated after his actions in Falta constituency and accusations of misuse of authority ahead of elections
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Mitali Bag alleged BJP workers vandalised her car in Hooghly during campaigning, leaving her injured. BJP denied the charge, accusing TMC supporters of violence. Election authorities sought reports as both parties traded allegations over the incident
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence BJP will form the next West Bengal government, attacking Mamata Banerjee-led TMC over violence, syndicate raj and economic decline, while promising jobs, citizenship for Matuas and action against illegal infiltration
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A delegation of 32 international observers from 16 countries and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance praised India’s election process in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, calling it a “festival of democracy” and commending the Election Commission of India for efficient and inclusive polling management
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Amit Shah praised Narendra Modi’s anti-terror policies at a West Bengal rally, alleging past governments were soft on terror. He also promised action against “infiltrators,” cow smuggling, and claimed early electoral gains for BJP
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The Election Commission of India warned Kolkata Police and South 24 Parganas authorities of strict action for negligence in preventing voter intimidation and explosives use ahead of West Bengal’s April 29 polls, ordering accountability of police officers and disciplinary measures
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Narendra Modi said nominating the R.G. Kar victim’s mother as a BJP candidate reflects commitment to women’s safety in West Bengal, while targeting Trinamool Congress and promising empowerment schemes ahead of Assembly elections
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At a Uttarpara rally, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of deploying massive resources, including Union ministers and helicopters, to win Bengal polls. She alleged intimidation, false promises, and inflammatory rhetoric, asserting TMC would ultimately prevail
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Himanta Biswa Sarma said West Bengal polls carry national significance, alleging cross-border infiltration impacting multiple states. He claimed demographic shifts and security risks, criticised TMC over border fencing, and projected strong BJP gains in both Assam and West Bengal elections
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Mamata Banerjee warned against “divisive forces” in the ongoing West Bengal polls, accusing opponents of trying to weaken the state from Delhi, and urged voters to defend identity, development, and democratic rights through their mandate
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At a rally, Narendra Modi vowed strict action in the R.G. Kar case, targeting Trinamool Congress, and promised accountability, women’s safety, and jobs if Bharatiya Janata Party forms government in West Bengal
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah, campaigning in West Bengal, asserted BJP would form the government with a full majority and claimed it would eliminate infiltration. He also accused CM Mamata Banerjee of dynastic politics and urged voters to support BJP in upcoming phases
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West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded unusually high voter turnout, reaching 89.93% and 82.24% respectively by 5 PM, according to the Election Commission. Both states surpassed 2021 figures amid strong voter participation, with polling seen as largely unaffected by controversies
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that TMC is poised to win after high voter turnout in the first phase of assembly polls. She also claimed opposition unity to challenge the BJP nationally, focusing on ending its rule in Delhi
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Voter turnout reached 78.77% in West Bengal and 70% in Tamil Nadu as of 3 p.m. during ongoing Assembly elections, with strong public participation, long queues at booths, and hundreds of complaints filed with the Election Commission amid multi-phase polling
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West Bengal recorded 62.18 per cent voter turnout in the first six hours of the first phase of Assembly polls. While polling remained strong, incidents of violence and a heatstroke death were reported, with leaders expressing optimism over high participation
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Election Commission for largely peaceful first-phase polling in West Bengal, highlighting high voter turnout and enthusiasm. He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging misgovernance and corruption, while expressing confidence in BJP’s victory in the ongoing Assembly elections