West Bengal Constituencies Prepare for Second Phase of Voting Amid Increased Security Deployment and Political Tensions

Three key constituencies in West Bengal - Raiganj, Darjeeling, and Balurghat - are set to vote in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 26, 2024. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to deploy a total of 303 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure peaceful and fair polling in these areas. This marks a significant increase from the 273 CAPF companies already present in the state, with an additional 30 companies being brought in from Sikkim and Meghalaya.

The heightened security measures come in response to reports of sporadic violence and voter intimidation during the first phase of the polls, particularly in the Cooch Behar constituency.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been vocal in her criticism of the ECI's emphasis on central forces over the state police. She questioned whether this move was a "ploy to ensure that people don't vote freely" and accused the central forces of acting as "party cadres" in favor of the BJP. Banerjee also urged migrant workers from the minority community who returned home for Eid to remain in the state and cast their votes, warning that failure to do so could result in their names being deleted from the Aadhaar list and enrolled in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) lists.

Why this matters: The deployment of additional central forces and the political tensions surrounding the election highlight the intense battle for power in West Bengal. The outcome of these polls could have significant implications for the balance of power between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in the state and potentially impact the national political landscape.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are scheduled to address rallies in the Darjeeling constituency on Sunday, April 21, in support of the BJP candidates. The party had won all three constituencies - Raiganj, Darjeeling, and Balurghat - in the 2019 elections but faces a strong challenge from the Trinamool Congress this time around. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been campaigning extensively in these areas, urging voters to support her party and reject what she calls the "divisive politics" of the BJP.

As the second phase of polling approaches, the ECI and security forces are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights freely and without fear. The

Key Takeaways

• ECI deploys 303 CAPF companies for peaceful polling in 3 Bengal constituencies.
• Mamata accuses central forces of acting as BJP cadres, urges minority voters to vote.
• Intense battle for power in Bengal, outcome could impact national politics.
• BJP leaders to address rallies in Darjeeling, faces strong TMC challenge in 3 seats.