The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday wrote to the State Election Commissioner demanding “elections to 108 municipalities to be declared null and void” citing complete failure of law and order in these areas.
“As you are aware, West Bengal witnessed unprecedented violence, attacks, arson and complete failure of the law and order machinery, in all 108 municipalities which went to polls today i.e. February 27, 2022. The violence was unleashed by goons, anti socials and workers of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), along with the active participation of the West Bengal police and administration, including poll officials, the letter reads.
The BJP further alleged that the candidates and polling agents of the saffron party were attacked, threatened and injured, in many cases, including having suffered grievous injuries.
“Reports were also received of candidates having been unlawfully and illegally detained by the police. The State President of the BJP, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Honble MP, Balurghat, along with several office bearers were also attacked, including district presidents,” the BJP wrote.
“There have been massive rigging, booth capturing, threats, intimidation, including use of firearms and explosives by persons of the AITC. The observers and officials from the administration have not even been taking frantic calls from members of the BJP,” it added.
The BJP has demanded a complete re-poll in all booths across 108 municipalities, in the presence of neutral observers from the outside the West Bengal cadre and Central forces (CAPFs).
The polling in 108 municipalities across West Bengal was held on Sunday amid tight security to elect the ward representatives and mayors. Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from some area, while a BJP candidate was allegedly physically assaulted.
