"west-bengal-polls"

Exit polls projected a mixed outcome, with BJP leading in Assam and holding an edge in West Bengal, while DMK and UDF are likely to retain Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Puducherry is expected to favour the NDA

Trinamool Congress supporters protested in Falta, accusing IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma of voter intimidation ahead of polls, while officials said his visit followed complaints against candidate Jahangir Khan over alleged coercion

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP will end goonda raj and syndicate raj in West Bengal if voted to power. He claimed strong gains in the first phase and assured voters of safety and action against infiltrators

The Election Commission of India announced a strict security plan for West Bengal’s second-phase polls, deploying central forces, motorcycles, CCTV, and vulnerability mapping to prevent booth capture and intimidation, ensuring voters can cast ballots safely across 142 constituencies

Election Commission of India appointed 11 additional police observers for West Bengal’s second-phase polls to strengthen security, prevent violence, and monitor sensitive areas. Five officers were suspended for dereliction of duty, with a senior official warned over supervision lapses

The TMC said high voter turnout in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls reflects strong support for Mamata Banerjee. The party projected over 125 seats and rejected BJP’s claim that the turnout signals a desire for change

The Election Commission suspended all polling staff at a booth in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur after they allegedly left it unattended during voting hours. A reserve team was deployed, and an inquiry ordered while polling continued in the constituency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said high voter turnout in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls reflects a desire for change, led by women and youth. He criticised the Trinamool Congress and promised action against illegal infiltration if BJP comes to power

The Election Commission of India has enforced strict measures for West Bengal’s April 23 polls, including 100-metre security perimeters, multi-level voter verification, and door-to-door slip distribution to ensure free, fair, and disturbance-free voting across 152 constituencies

The Election Commission cancelled alternative postings of 15 IPS officers in West Bengal and deputed them to other poll-bound states ahead of Assembly elections. The move follows Opposition demands to prevent barred officials from influencing the electoral process within the state

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP will win the West Bengal Assembly polls and drive out infiltrators from the state. Speaking in Bihar, he announced steps to tackle demographic change and highlighted the role of security forces in border management

The Home Ministry in a letter to the West Bengal Chief Secretary on Monday asked him to submit a detailed report on the violence.

BJP's Jorasanko candidate Meena Devi Purohit alleged that the crude bombs were hurled at her vehicle while she was touring different polling booths.

Polling began at 7 am on Thursday for 35 seats in the eighth phase of the assembly elections in West Bengal amid the surging second wave of COVID-19.

Security measures have been heightened in view of the violence in the previous phases, particularly the death of five people in Cooch Behar in the fourth round of polling.

Terming Banerjee as the "Bengal Tigress", the Sena's chief spokesperson expressed solidarity with her and claimed she will win the election in her state.

The Chief Minister had said that she will hold a protest rally in Cooch Behar on Sunday against the firing incident and visit the homes of the deceased.

Four persons were killed when CISF personnel opened fire allegedly after coming under attack from locals, who "attempted to snatch their rifles" in Cooch Behar district.

A repoll would be ordered in the coming days in accordance with the laid-down procedure, a source said.

She alleged this was part of a conspiracy hatched by the Union home minister.