ECI ‘harassing’ TMC, dancing to BJP’s tune: Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur

In an unusual move, Banerjee visited multiple polling booths early in the morning, alleging that her party workers were being targeted and intimidated by election authorities and security personnel.

She also alleged attempts to rig the elections and claimed that her booth workers were assaulted on the night before polling.

What did Mamata Banerjee say?

“The ECI is openly harassing and tormenting us. We have sent a contempt of court notice, yet countless outside observers have been brought in here. They are clearly dancing to the tunes of the BJP,” Banerjee said.

“Go to Chakraberia and you will see that all our posters have been removed. Is this the way elections are meant to be conducted? It is not the police and the security forces, but the people who will cast their vote.”

“They have brought in people from outside, and these individuals are spreading fear and terror among voters. They will leave soon.”

Phase 2 polling underway

Voting is underway in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies across seven key districts.

The spotlight is on the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency, where Banerjee is locked in a high-stakes battle against her former aide-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari.

This phase includes politically crucial districts such as North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas—traditional TMC strongholds—together accounting for 64 seats. Other districts in this phase include Hooghly (18), Nadia (17), Howrah (16), East Burdwan (16), and Kolkata (11).

Polling began early amid tight security arrangements, with central forces deployed across sensitive zones to ensure smooth voting.