Bengal polls see 89.99% turnout amid violence, EVM glitches and Mamata’s charge

A voter turnout of 89.99% was recorded in Bengal till 5 pm on Wednesday as per ECI data. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee said that she has “never seen this type of democracy”, as she said that no state police was allowed at any booth and the CRPF has “captured” it all. Violence and vandalism reportedly took place in parts of West Bengal shortly after voting for the final phase of Assembly elections began this morning. Claims of an EVM glitch and failed and delayed voting were made in Hooghly and the CRPF personnel reportedly detained two people in Bally after a clash erupted over similar allegations.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee levelled big allegations against central forces deployed in West Bengal for the elections and said they were working “as per the BJP’s directions”. Flashing a clip towards the media, Banerjee claimed that a Trinamool worker was beaten up and questioned if this is how voting should take place. Mamata Banerjee is among the 1,448 candidates in fray across 142 constituencies that are seeing voting in the final phase today. She is tied in an intense fight with the BJP's Suvendu Adhikari on the Bhabanipur seat. The BJP looks to secure a mandate this time around after an improved tally of 77 seats in the last elections held in 2021.

Here are top developments since the final phase of voting began:

EVM tampering allegations: As candidates stepped out of their homes and took part in casting their votes this morning, some of them reported issues with the EVMs. BJP candidates in Sonarpur Dakshin and Panihati said there were some issues with the EVM buttons or machine at the booths. Later, BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a clip, alleging attempts to cover the button to vote for the BJP with tape. Voting delayed at some booths? Some booths in Bengal's Howrah and Baranagar saw chaos as voters alleged that the poll process began very late. The timing of the voting to begin was 7 am this morning. Angry voters claimed that there were “failed” attempts of voting due to a glitch with the EVMs.

RG Kar victim's mother alleges attack:

The mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim has been fielded as a BJP candidate in Panihati. On Wednesday, she alleged being attacked by Trinamool workers. “TMC workers intensely targeted me earlier today. They sent goons who attacked me while shouting 'go back' slogans," she said.

Trinamool MP's big challenge to PM Modi:

As voting began, Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien issued a challenge to PM Modi, asking he would “dare” to resign if the Mamata Banerjee-led party was reelected in Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee's allegations against central forces: Banerjee, who is also in the fray in the final phase from Bhabanipur, visited the constituency this morning and levelled big allegations against the central forces. She accused central forces and election observers of acting at the BJP's behest and claimed TMC workers and leaders were being selectively targeted across districts.