G. P. Singh, Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), arrived in Diamond Harbour on Wednesday to coordinate with Election Observer Ajay Pal Sharma as polling for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 got underway.
Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer known for his tough policing style, has been conducting inspections across multiple polling booths in South 24 Parganas. His deployment has sparked controversy after a viral video showed him warning supporters of Trinamool Congress candidate Jehangir Khan against voter intimidation.
Polling began at 7 a.m. across 142 constituencies in six districts, including Kolkata. Voter turnout stood at 18.39% till 9 a.m., with reports of sporadic tension emerging from the early hours.
In the high-profile Bhabanipur seat, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, her brother Kartik Banerjee was cautioned by central forces for gathering with more people than permitted near a polling station.
Nearby Rashbehari also saw tensions after allegations that Trinamool Congress workers prevented Congress polling agents from entering booths.
In Singur, protests broke out with TMC leader Bencharam Manna staging a demonstration over alleged excesses by security forces. Meanwhile, polling in Santipur was delayed due to an EVM malfunction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate in large numbers, especially women and youth, calling for a stronger democratic process.
Mamata Banerjee Targets CRPF, Alleges Election Interference
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited polling booths in South Kolkata, accused the BJP of attempting to rig the elections and alleged that central forces were acting under political influence.
She claimed that Trinamool Congress workers were assaulted and said election observers brought from outside were putting pressure on local police. In a controversial remark, she initially referred to CRPF personnel as "gunda" (hooligans), before correcting herself.
Banerjee also alleged that CRPF personnel raided the residence of a party councillor late at night, assaulted family members, and issued threats. She maintained that her party supports peaceful voting but accused the BJP of disrupting the democratic process.
Heavy Security and Statewide Monitoring
The second phase of polling is being conducted under unprecedented security arrangements, with deployment of 2,407 companies of central forces, including CAPF and other armed units, alongside state police.
Polling is underway in six districts — North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, and East Burdwan — with webcasting and CCTV surveillance in all polling stations.
Despite tight security, isolated incidents of tension, clashes, and technical glitches have been reported, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the electoral battle.
(With inputs from IANS)
