West Bengal Election Updates: 1.15 crore people are eligible to vote in 44 constituencies.
Four people were killed during clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Cooch Behar district which is voting in the fourth phase of the eight-phased state polls, sources in the Election Commission told NDTV. The ruling Trinamool Congress, however claimed that five people have died in the clashes at Sitalkuchi constituency amid polling. The Election Commission has adjourned polling and has sought a report over the incident.
Earlier, BJP released audio clips in which Prashant Kishor, Mamata Banerjee's election strategist for the Bengal polls, appears to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "as popular as" the Chief Minister in the state, prompting Mr Kishor to dare the BJP to release the full transcript of the chat on Clubhouse. "I am glad BJP guys are taking my Clubhouse chat more seriously than the words or their own leaders. With regards to the selective and distorted use of part of the conversation, I urge them to release the full conversation," the poll strategist told NDTV.
Forty-four seats covering Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts in north Bengal and parts of South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hoogly in the southern part of the state are voting today. Union Minister Babul Supriyo, state ministers Partha Chatterjee and Arup Biswas are among the 373 candidates in the fourth phase.
The fourth phase witnessed high-decibel campaigns by the BJP and Trinamool Congress. While the BJP targeted chief minister Mamata Banerjee, her nephew Abhishek Banerjee accusing them of corruption and "appeasement politics", the Trinamool hit back on the BJP-led central government over recent hike in prices of gas, petrol, diesel, besides plans to disinvest in a large number of central government run PSUs. Ms Banerjee also accused central police forces of harassing and intimidating voters and urged voters to "gherao" them - a remark for which she received a notice from the Election Commission.
A total of 1.15 crore people, including 290 members of the third gender, are eligible to vote in the 44 constituencies spread over Howrah (Part II), South 24 Parganas (Part III), Hooghly (Part II) in south Bengal and in north Bengal's Alipurduar and Coochbehar.
Here are the Live Updates on fourth phase of polling in West Bengal:
Poll Body Bans Political Leaders From Entering Bengal's Cooch Behar After 4 Killed In ClashesThe Election Commission of India has banned political leaders from entering Bengal's Cooch Behar district for next 72 hours after locals clashed with Central forces leaving four dead. The poll body has invoked Article 324, banning the entry of political leaders in Cooch Behar.
Earlier in the day, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said she will visit the families of those killed in Cooch Behar tomorrow.
The silence period for the fifth phase of the Bengal polls has been extended to 72 hours.
Over 80% Voter Turnout In Phase 4 Of Bengal Polls
80.9 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the fourth phase of the Bengal Assembly polls today. In 2016, the state had registered over 83 per cent voter turnout in Phase four. 44 Assembly constituencies voted today in Bengal.
CPI(M) Demands High-Level Inquiry Into Death Of Four People In Bengal's Cooch Behar
The CPI(M) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the death of four persons in West Bengal allegedly due to firing by CISF personnel on Saturday, reported news agency PTI.
The incident took place in Cooch Behar district's Sitalkuchi area when polling for the fourth phase of West Bengal Assembly election was underway, a senior police officer said.
According to the police, four persons were killed as CISF personnel allegedly opened fire after coming under attack from locals, who "attempted to snatch their rifles".
"Central forces firing upon voters and killing 4 is outrageous. Totally condemnable. EC must order a high powered enquiry under judicial supervision and punish the guilty. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted.
Didi Will Exit From Bengal, "Bhaipo" Will Play New Game For Trinamool: PM Modi In BengalPrime Minister Narendra Modi today said Mamata Banerjee's "bhaipo" (nephew) will try to play a new game for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as he stressed that the end of the ongoing polls in the state will witness the exit of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, reported news agency ANI.
"After elections,
Didi will exit from Bengal but her "
bhaipo" will vouch to play a new game on the TMC. Brothers and sisters, this is also a "
khela" that people of Bengal should understand. People have decided that "
khela shesh hobe (the game will end)". The game of violence will end. Cut money game will end. The game of extortion will end. The game of syndicates will end," he said at a public rally in Bengal's Krishnanagar.
"The anger seen on
Didi's face is not is due to Modi and BJP but due to her fear of defeat. The reason are those people whose trust she had broken, whom she betrayed. What did her government give to the youth? Unemployment, riots, sticks and humiliation," he further remarked.
76.16% Voter Turnout In Bengal Till 5 PM
Bengal registered 76.16% voter turnout till 5 PM in the fourth phase of the eight-phased election. Polling is underway in 44 constituency seats.
Mamata Banerjee Addresses Press Conference After Central Forces Fire, Kill Four In Cooch Behar
"They think the chief minister knows nothing. I urge the people to respond by voting. Vote the BJP out of the country. I want the Opposition to see how BJP is running the election. It's a shame on democracy," Mamata Banerjee said.
Mamata Banerjee Addresses Press Conference After Central Forces Fire, Kill Four In Cooch Behar
"Everyday the prime minister and the home minister are threatening us. Law and order is a state subject. Why will the police report the central government? Mamata Banerjee said at a press conference.
Trinamool Writes To Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Over Cooch Behar Incident
Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday wrote to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging "cold-blooded murder of four and brutal injury of three innocent people by Central Forces", reported news agency ANI.
"Today, we write to you with a heavy heart in the wake of the brutal cold-blooded murder of four (4) and brutal injury to three (3) innocent people of Bengal by the bullets fired by Central Armed Police Forces ("CAPF") in AC Sitalkuchi, Coochbehar. The seven (7), whose only mistake was that they wished to participate in this festival of democracy, which is being conducted by you - the Election Commission of India. (ECI)," the letter from TMC read.
The party further stated, "Incidentally, the incumbent Superintendent of Police (SP), Coochbehar, under whose supervision the CAPF is deputed in the district, is also a person whom the ECI found to be suitable as a replacement of the erstwhile SP who was removed for reasons best known to the ECI."
"In first, second and third phases, we raised 6, 18 and 134 number of complaints, respectively, against the CAPF. However, no action and/or tangible action has been taken against the CAPF personnel and/or their hierarchy thereby emboldening the delinquent personnel. Though, for no apparent reason, from the DGP, WB to ADG -- Law and Order, WB, Director -- Security, ADG -- West Zone, numerous SPs/DCs, have all been removed by the ECI on the pretext of free and fair polls," the letter read.
Did Not Violate Model Code: Mamata Banerjee Replies To Election Commission Notice
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has today replied to Election Commission's (EC) notice to her against her remarks on Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and said she did not violate the Model Code of Conduct, reported news agency ANI.
In her letter to EC, Ms Banerjee said, "There has been no effort to incite/influence the electorate against CAPFs. It is clear I have not violated Model Code of Conduct."
The Election Commission issued a notice to Mamata Banerjee on Friday asking her to explain her stand by April 10 regarding her statements against the Central Forces on March 28 and April 7. This is the second notice issued to her by the poll body.
Mamata Banerjee had alleged that the Central Forces favoured the BJP during the polling in the first and second phase of the Bengal Assembly elections.
On Wednesday, the poll body had issued another notice to Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on April 3, where she appealed to the Muslim voters to not let their vote be split among different political parties contesting in the ongoing Assembly elections.
PM Modi Accused Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Leaders Of "Insulting" Scheduled Caste Community
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today slammed Trinamool Congress (TMC) for "insulting" the Scheduled Caste (SC) community of Bengal, reported news agency ANI.
"The thinking of Didi and TMC leaders is coming out in the open. A video is going viral on social media where a leader close to Didi can be seen insulting members of the SC community. She had said that the SC community in Bengal acts like beggars. Didi, such arrogance! Such thinking!" PM Modi said while addressing a public meeting in north Bengal's Siliguri.
The Prime Minister also said Mamata Banerjee's anger against him is growing as she is witnessing defeat in front of her. "Seeing the affection of the people of Bengal for me, Didi is also angry with the people of Bengal," he added.
PM Modi said TMC's "goons" were not able to register "chhappa votes" (fake votes) this time around and so Mamata Banerjee is angry. "She never presented her report card for 10 years. She should be giving the account of her works, her nephew's works and her goons' works," he said.
Left's Md. Salim Slams Cooch Behar Incident, Says 'Chief Minister Provoked Supporters To Violence'
Left leader Md Salim has condemned the incident of firing by Central forces on the voters in Bengal's Cooch Behar that killed four people and sought an inquiry under Judicial Supervision. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for repeatedly provoking and instigating her unsuspecting supporters towards violence.
"We unequivocally condemn today's incident of firing and killings by Central Para-Military forces. An enquiry under Judicial Supervision should begin immediately. The chief minister also stands accused of responsibility of today's incident. She has repeatedly provoked and instigated her unsuspecting supporters towards violence," Mr Salim said.
Slamming the poll body, Mr Salim said, "The Election Commission had failed to discipline the chief minsiter, as well, despite numerous complaints from the Left. Unfortunately, she has shown no remorse in using people she takes for granted, as cannon fodder. The incident in Shitalkuchi has made this a black day for Indian Democracy."
'Firing On Common Voters Conspiracy By Amit Shah': Trinamool Seeks Home Minister's Resignation
Condemning the killing of four party workers by Central Forces in Cooch Behar during polling for the fourth phase of West Bengal Assembly elections today, Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation and termed the incident a conspiracy hatched by Mr Shah, reported news agency ANI.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, TMC MP Sougata Roy said, "The firing took place because common people were resisting the efforts by BJP hooligans to disrupt the voting. They are being encouraged by Central Armed Police Force and we feel this is a conspiracy headed by Home Minister. We are demanding his resignation."
"Why did the Central Armed Police Forces fire? Where do they get this audacity of firing on common voters? That is the main question. This is a part of a conspiracy and we do not think that the Prime Minister is out of this conspiracy. This is an effort to intimidate voters," added Mr Roy.
Mamata Banerjee To Visit Site Of West Bengal Clashes Tomorrow West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit Sitalkuchi in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district tomorrow where voting had to be called off today after clashes left four people dead.
The Trinamool Congress will organise black-badge protests across the state to mark the incident.
The four men were shot dead this morning in a clash with security forces outside a polling booth.
Bengal Phase 4 Polls: 66.76 Per Cent Voter Turnout Till 3 PM
Bengal registered 66.76% voter turnout till 3 PM in the fourth phase of the eight-phased election. Polling is underway in 44 constituency seats.
Bengal voting: Heavyweight candidates in phase 4
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to hold a protest rally in Cooch Behar tomorrow against today's firing incident, reports news agency ANI
Bengal voting: 52.89% voter turnout till 1:30 PM, Sourav Ganguly casts vote
52.89% eligible voters have exercised their right till 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly voted at a polling booth in Barisha Shashibhusan Janakalyan Vidyapith, Behala, South 24 Paraganas.
The fifth phase of the assembly elections will commence on April 17. Counting of votes will take place on May 2.
Bengal phase 4 voting: Election Commission adjourns voting in Sitalkuchi after 4 dead in poll violence
Election Commission of India has adjourned polling in Sitalkuchi amid poll-related violence there. "Election Commission hereby orders adjourning the poll in PS 126* of Sitalkurchi AC, Cooch Behar based on interim report from Special Observers. Detailed reports are sought from them and CEO by 5 pm today," the poll body said in a statement.
Bengal voting: BJP's Locket Chatterjee is contesting in Chuchura
BJP MPs Locket Chatterjee and Nisith Pramanik are contesting from Chuchura and Dinhata seats in Hoogly and Cooch Behar districts respectively. Their presence in the poll roster for the state assembly had led the Trinamool chief to quip that the BJP is fielding its parliamentary members as it does not have suitable candidates.
"No effort to incite/influence voters against CAPF": Mamata Banerjee replies to poll body
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has replied to the Election Commission notice on her remarks on CAPFs. Ms Banerjee claimed that there was no effort to incite or influence voters against the security personnel.
Bengal voting: BJP, Trinamool have fielded 44 candidates with criminal cases
West Bengal phase 4 voting: Nearly 40% voter turnout till 11 am
33.98 per cent of the eligible voters in the 44 seats have exercised their right in the first four hours of polling, Election Commission data showed. 40.2 per cent of the electorates had cast vote by 11 am in the 2016 elections.
Bengal phase 4 voting: Election Commission has deployed 187 companies of CAPF in Cooch Behar
The Election Commission has posted around 80,000 personnel from the central armed police force (CAPF) to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations.
The highest deployment of 187 companies of CAPF - with 100 personnel in each company - will be in Cooch Behar, which has seen some incidents of violence in the run-up to the elections including an attack on BJP state president Dilip Ghosh allegedly by Trinamool supporters. Some 101 companies have been enlisted for Kolkata.
Bengal phase 4 voting: 4 Killed as BJP, Trinamool workers clash in Cooch Behar
Four people were killed after violence erupted in Cooch Behar district which is voting in the fourth phase of the eight-phased state polls. Party workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP clashed at booth at Jorapakri village 90 minites from Cooch Behar town. (Read full story
here)
"Show courage, share full chat": Prashant Kishor vs BJP on clubhouse chat
Prashant Kishor, Mamata Banerjee's election strategist, appears to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "as popular as" the Chief Minister in Bengal in excerpts of a Clubhouse chat posted on Twitter by the BJP's Amit Malviya this morning. The bombshell audio clips dropped as the state voted in the fourth round of polls, and triggered a wave of triumphant posts from BJP leaders. (Read full story
here)
Bengal voting: 80,000 personnel deployed to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations.
The Election Commission has posted around 80,000 personnel from the central armed police force (CAPF) to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations.
The highest deployment of 187 companies of CAPF - with 100 personnel in each company - will be in Cooch Behar, which has seen some incidents of violence in the run-up to the elections including an attack on BJP state president Dilip Ghosh allegedly by Trinamool supporters. Some 101 companies have been enlisted for Kolkata.
Bengal Election Voting LIVE Updates: 1.15 crore people are eligible to vote in phase 4
A total of 1.15 crore people, including 290 members of the third gender, are eligible to vote in the 44 constituencies spread over Howrah (Part II), South 24 Parganas (Part III), Hooghly (Part II) in south Bengal and in north Bengal's Alipurduar and Coochbehar.
Elections 2021: 15.4% voter turnout till 9 AM in phase 4 polling in Bengal
15.4 per cent of the eligible voters have exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling, data from the Eelection Commission show. In 2016, 20.5 per cent of the voters had cast vote till 9 AM.
Bengal phase 4 voting: Trinamool's Partha Chatterjee vs BJP's Srabanti Chatterjee in Behala West
Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, who is also the Trinamool's secretary-general, will take on film actor Srabanti Chatterjee of the BJP in Behala West seat to return to the assembly for the fourth successive term.
Another actor Payel Sarkar is running from Behala East for the BJP while cricketer Manoj Tiwari is batting for the Trinamool from Howrah North.
Also in the race is Trinamool defector Rajib Banerjee, a former minister of the Mamata Banerjee cabinet, who will contest from Domjur in Howrah district on a BJP ticket. He along with fellow turncoat Suvendu Adhikari has been the focus of stinging attacks by Mamata Banerjee who called them "gaddars" (traitors) and Mir Jafar and attacked them in almost every election meeting.
Bengal Election Voting LIVE Updates: Trinamool, BJP have fielded candidates with assets over Rs 1 crore
West Bengal Assembly Elections: 80,000 personnel on duty at nearly 16,000 polling stations
The Election Commission has posted around 80,000 personnel from the central armed police force (CAPF) to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations.
Bengal voting: BJP's Babul Supriyo vs Trinamool's Arup Biswas at Tollygunge
Singer-turned-minister Babul Supriyo will take on sitting MLA Arup Biswas at Tollygunge, known to be the heart of the Bengali film industry in the southern part of Kolkata.
"The biggest challenge is to remove Mamata Didi and TMC from West Bengal. Aroop Biswas (TMC candidate from the constituency) has been the right hand of all her works. So is a challenge to change the atmosphere of terror here," Mr Supriyo was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Bengal Elections 2021: Trinamool candidate explains reason behind wearing helmet on polling day
Trinamool Congress candidate Rabindra Nath Ghosh was seen wearing a helmet this morning. "I am wearing this to avoid any untoward incident," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Mr Ghosh is contesting from Natabari constituency in Cooch Behar.
Bengal voting: 22% candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves
Bengal Phase 4 voting: Mamata Banerjee appeals to "brothers and sisters" in Bengal to come out in large numbers
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also made an appeal on Twitter to the eligible voters to come out in large numbers.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021: BJP candidate from Bhangar constituency casts vote
BJP candidate from Bhangar constituency in South 24 Parganas district, Soumi Hati, casts vote.
Bengal voting: PM Modi urges people to vote in "record numbers"
Minutes after polling began for West Bengal state polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an appeal to eligible voters to step out and use their democratic right. Polling began at 7 AM for the 44 seats in the state as part of phase 4 of the assembly elections.
"As the 4th phase of the West Bengal elections begin, urging the people voting today to do so in record numbers. I would especially request the youth and women to vote in large numbers," PM Modi tweeted.
Bengal voting: 80,000 personnel to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations
Among the 44 constituencies, nine are in Howrah, 10 in Hooghly, 11 in South 24 Parganas, five in Alipurduar and nine in Cooch Behar. The Election Commission has posted around 80,000 personnel from the central armed police force (CAPF) to guard nearly 16,000 polling stations.
West Bengal Assembly Polls: Movie stars, MPs and even cricketer among candidates contesting in phase 4
More than 370 candidates, including movie stars, MPs and even a cricketer, are on the ticket in 44 constituencies spread over Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts in north Bengal and parts of South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hoogly in the state's south.
Bengal voting news: 44 seats are voting in phase 4
Bengal voting live updates: BJP candidate Locket Chatterjee offers prayers at temple ahead of start of voting
BJP candidate from Chunchura, Locket Chatterjee, offers prayers at a temple ahead of start of voting for the fourth phase of polls. Ms Chatterjee is standing against Trinamool Congress' (TMC) Asit Mazumdar and Forward Bloc's Pranab Ghosh.
Just In: Voting begins in 44 seats for round 4 of Bengal polls.
Bengal phase 4 voting: Babul Supriyo, Partha Chatterjee among key candidates
Union Minister Babul Supriyo, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's lieutenant Partha Chatterjee are among the key candidates in the fourth phase. Altogether, 372 candidates are in fray in this phase.
Bengal Elections 2021: Over 1 crore people eligible to vote in phase 4
A total of 1.15 crore people, including 290 members of the third gender, are eligible to vote in the 44 constituencies spread over Howrah (Part II), South 24 Parganas (Part III), Hooghly (Part II) in south Bengal and in north Bengal's Alipurduar and Coochbehar.
For all the info on phase 3 voting, click
herePolling For Fourth Phase Of West Bengal Assembly Elections To Begin Today
The polling for the fourth phase of West Bengal assembly elections will begin today, with high-profile leaders and celebrities dominating field.
373 candidates will contest from 44 constituencies in the state across five districts - Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, South 24 Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly. A total of 1,15,81,022 electorates will be included in this phase.