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 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.
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.