ECI Seeks Action Report on Alleged Bypoll Malpractices in West Bengal

The Election Commission of India has requested an action taken report from the West Bengal CEO following multiple complaints from the BJP about bogus voting, violence, and intimidation in recent bypolls. The ruling TMC has labeled these allegations as baseless, citing overall peaceful elections with isolated incidents of violence.

The Election Commission of India has called for an action taken report from the West Bengal CEO after receiving nearly 100 complaints from the BJP. These complaints allege bogus voting, violence, and intimidation during Wednesday's bypolls in four assembly constituencies in West Bengal, a senior official confirmed.

Denying these allegations, the ruling TMC has labeled them as 'baseless'. 'There were some reports of violence, but overall, the election was peaceful yesterday. We promptly took action whenever reports of such violence and malpractices were brought to our notice,' West Bengal CEO Ariz Aftab stated.

Sources at the CEO's office indicated they would respond to the Election Commission's queries by Thursday, detailing actions taken in response to the complaints. Incidents of violence and intimidation were particularly noted in Bagdah and Ranaghat Dakshin, where arrests were made. The bypolls saw varying voter turnout, with Raiganj witnessing the highest at 67.12 per cent.