Polling Begins In Violence-hit Rural Bengal: Panchayat Elections

Around 5.67 crore voters are likely to exercise their franchise to choose representatives for nearly 928 seats across 22 zilla parishads, 9,730 panchayat samities, and 63,229 gram panchayats seats. 

Despite reports of widespread violence and killings since polls were announced, voting finally began at 7 am today in rural West Bengal. A total of 2.06 lakh candidates are running for 73,887 seats in the three-tier panchayat system, according to officials.

According to reports Over 5 crore eligible voters are expected to cast their votes in the election, which will choose representatives for nearly 928 seats across 22 zilla parishads, 9,730 panchayat samitis, and 63,229 gram panchayats.

Violence in Bengal

Violence has been widespread in Bengal since the panchayat polls were announced on June 8. Over a dozen people have been killed, including a teenager. Raj Bhavan is said to have taken a proactive role in addressing the issue, opening a “Peace Home” at the governor’s house to address complaints from the public. The governor has also visited violence-hit areas to meet with victims and their families. There have been reports of polling booths being vandalized and ballot papers being set on fire in West Bengal. The violence has been blamed on political parties, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken steps to ensure that the remaining phases of polling are conducted in a peaceful manner.

key highlights of the West Bengal Panchayat Election 2023:

• Over 5 crore people are eligible to vote: There are over 5 crore eligible voters in West Bengal, who will be voting for representatives for nearly 928 seats across 22 zilla parishads, 9,730 panchayat samitis, and 63,229 gram panchayats.
• The election is being held in three phases: The election is being held in three phases, on July 7, 13, and 20. The first phase of polling was held on Saturday, July 7, and the second phase will be held on July 13. The third and final phase of polling will be held on July 20.
• The TMC is the incumbent party: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is the incumbent party in West Bengal, and it is facing a challenge from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The TMC has been in power in West Bengal since 2011, and it is hoping to retain power in the upcoming panchayat elections.
• The election has been marred by violence: The election has been marred by violence, with at least 24 people killed since polling began on Saturday. The violence has been blamed on political parties, and the ECI has taken steps to ensure that the remaining phases of polling are conducted in a peaceful manner.
• The ECI has deployed over 5 lakh security personnel: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed over 5 lakh security personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The ECI has also imposed restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles in the sensitive areas.
• The vote counting is scheduled for July 11: The vote counting for the West Bengal Panchayat Election 2023 is scheduled for July 11. The results of the election will be announced on the same day.

Nikhil Ranjan Dey, BJP MLA from South Coochbehar, has alleged that his party worker Mahadeb Biswas was killed by TMC goons early on Saturday morning. Dey has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and has demanded that the culprits be brought to justice.

The ECI has condemned the incident and has said that it will take strict action against those responsible. The ECI has also urged voters to come out and vote in large numbers, despite the violence. The incident has sparked outrage in West Bengal and has led to calls for a fair and impartial investigation.