Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay on Wednesday accused the Election Commission of India of conducting polling in West Bengal with “brutal” measures, citing heavy deployment of central forces and tensions in several constituencies. Speaking on polling day, he expressed confidence that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would return to power, claiming the party would cross 250 seats. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee toured polling booths in South Kolkata, alleging that Trinamool workers were assaulted and accusing the BJP of attempting to rig the elections.
The second phase of polling across 142 constituencies saw tight security arrangements, including CCTV surveillance and Central Armed Police Forces deployment. Mamata Banerjee also criticised election observers and briefly referred to the CRPF as “gunda” before correcting herself, accusing the force of targeting Trinamool leaders and workers. The allegations and counter-allegations highlight the high-stakes battle in West Bengal, where political tensions remain intense as voting continues.