West Bengal Elections Phase 4 highlights: ‌EC bans entry of politicians in Cooch Behar district

An estimated 76.16 per cent of 1.15 crore voters exercised their franchise till 5 pm. Four persons were killed as central forces allegedly opened fire after coming under attack from locals, who "attempted to snatch their rifles", in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Saturday, police said. Earlier in the morning, a first-time voter was shot dead by unidentified persons outside a polling booth in the same Sitalkuchi assembly constituency area. Amid reports of violence, EC has ordered adjournment of polls at polling station number 126 in the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency of West Bengal.

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Five killed in Sitalkuchi in two incidents in 4th phase of poll : WB CEO

Five persons were killed in two different incidents of firing in Sitalkuchi assembly constituency in West Bengals Cooch Behar district during the fourth phase of poll on Saturday, state chief electoral officer Ariz Aftab said.

He said at least eight persons have been arrested so far in connection with two incidents which took place in separate polling stations at Sitalkuchi during the day, he said.

‌EC bans entry of politicians in Cooch Behar district

‌EC bans entry of politicians in Cooch Behar district ofWestBengalfor next 72 hrs to prevent possible law and order flare up.

76.16% voter turnout till 5 pm in violence-hit 4th phase

A voter turnout of 76.16 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in the fourth phase of West Bengal assembly polls Saturday, amid incidents of violence which prompted the Election Commission to suspend voting at a booth in Sitalkuchi constituency of Cooch Behar.

The Commission said polling was held at 15,940 polling stations spread across 44 assembly constituencies in this phase of polls.

EC should be held responsible for Cooch Behar killings: Chidambaram

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday held the Election Commission responsible for the death of four persons in firing by CISF personnel during polling in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district and said the incident was a case of failure of leadership.

CPI(M) demands high-level inquiry into death of 4 people in West Bengal allegedly due to firing by CISF personnel

(ANI)

Cooch Behar killings: Mamata questions self-defence version of central forces, orders CID probe

Questioning the central forces' version of firing on voters in self-defence in Cooch Behar that killed four people, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said her government will initiate a CID probe into the incident.

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Dilip Ghosh demands that Mamata Banerjee be placed under house arrest.

76.16% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in 44 seats. (PTI)

BJP can't give citizenship to Matuas, they already have it: Mamata

Accusing the BJP of giving false promises to the members of the politically significant Matua community on citizenship, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that those people have already been given all rights as citizens.

Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, claimed that if the saffron party is voted to power, it will keep the people of West Bengal in detention camps as it has done to "14 lakh Bengalis" in Assam.

(PTI)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he speaks in a rally during the ongoing Phase 4 of West Bengal's assembly election, at Kawakhali on the outskirts of Siliguri on April 10, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Mamata questions central forces' version of firing on voters in self-defence in Cooch Behar, lack of video footage and injuries to policemen

Voting exercise stopped at polling booth in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, after four people killed in firing by CISF personnel in its vicinity: Election official

(PTI)

I will be going to Mathabhanga hospital tomorrow at 10 am and from there I will go to Alipurduar. I couldn't go to Cooch Behar today due to Model Code of Conduct as polling is going on there: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri

(ANI)

We will order CID probe into firing by central forces on voters at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at Siliguri

(ANI)

Press Conference by Shri Amit Malviya, Shri Swapan Dasgupta & Shri Dinesh Trivedi in Kolkata

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urges the people of Bengal to hold a black band protest demanding the immediate resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah over the Sitalkuchi attack

Handicraft, business, marketing, investment aren't among TMC's priorities. Didi's TMC is an expert in 'tolabaazi'. Didi's TMC is an expert in cut-money. Didi's TMC is an expert in killing BJP workers. Didi's TMC is an expert in rigging: PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi accuses CM Mamata Banerjee of defaming voters

This election of Bengal is not only being fought by BJP, people of Bengal are also fighting this election: PM Narendra Modi in Krishnanagar.

(ANI)

After a wait for decades, the 'mahayagya' of 'ashol poribortan' has started in Bengal. This 'mahayagya' will teach a lesson to appeasers: PM Narendra Modi in Krishnanagar.

66.76% voter turnout recorded till 3:39 pm.

(ANI)

PM Modi addresses rally in Krishnanagar

Trinamool Congress (TMC) writes to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal over "Cold-blooded murder of four and brutal injury of three innocent people by Central Forces."

Political storm erupts after 5 killed during West Bengal polls

Five people were killed, including four in the firing by CISF personnel, during the fourth phase of polling on Saturday for 44 assembly seats of West Bengal, triggering a political firestorm.

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Prashant Kishor ‘admits’ PM Modi’s popularity in leaked audio clip, BJP says ‘even he knows it’

A young girl shows her finger marked with indelible ink after casting her vote for the first time at a polling station, during 4th phase of State Assembly poll in Kolkata, Saturday, April 10, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Locals attack Locket Chatterjee’s car in Hooghly

PM Modi, Mamata equally popular in Bengal: Row erupts over Prashant Kishor's purported audio clip

A controversy erupted on Saturday amid the polling for 44 assembly seats in West Bengal, with the BJP releasing an audio clip where Trinamool Congress' election strategist Prashant Kishor is purportedly heard saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "as popular as" Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the state.

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PM Modi condoles death in CISF firing in Cooch Behar, blames TMC for violence

Condoling the death of four people in firing by central forces in Cooch Behar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday requested the Election Commission to take stern action against those responsible for the incident and blamed the ruling TMC for perpetrating violence during the polls.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to supporters in a rally meeting during the ongoing Phase 4 of West Bengal's Assembly election, at Kawakhali on the outskirts of Siliguri on April 10, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

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Our party workers will hold protests in every block and ward of West Bengal over the firing in Cooch Behar: Saugata Roy, TMC MP

(ANI)

The firing took place because common people were resisting the effort by BJP hooligans to disrupt the voting. They are being encouraged by Central Armed Police Force & we feel this is a conspiracy headed by HM, we demand his resignation: Saugata Roy (ANI)

TMC MPsSaugataRoy, SatabdiRoyand Kakoli Ghosh talk to the media after meeting the Election Commission of India, in New Delhi, Friday, March 12, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

B K Hariprasad to be AICC in-charge for WB polls as Jitin Prasada down with Covid-19

B K Hariprasad, the Congress' senior observer overseeing campaign management in West Bengal, will shoulder the responsibilities during the polls of AICC in-charge of the state Jitin Prasada, who tested positive for Covid-19 recently.

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PM Modi gave a clean chit to those who killed 5 people in Cooch Behar: Mamata at rally

Mamata addresses rally in Bijpur & Naihati, North 24 Parganas

TMC seeks explanation from EC over death of 4 in firing by central forces in West Bengal

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on Saturday sought an explanation from the Election Commission over the death of four persons, who were shot allegedly by central forces at Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district during the fourth phase of Assembly elections.

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Election Commission adjourns polling in Cooch Behar's poll station after 4 shot dead

The Election Commission has adjourned the poll in Polling Station 126 of the Sitalkurchi Assembly constituency, Cooch Behar, based on an interim report from Special Observers.

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52.89% voter turnout recorded till 1:37 pm.

(ANI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to visit the spot in Cooch Behar tomorrow, where four people died today.

(ANI)

Election Commission of India issues a Correction | 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: EC

(ANI)

Didi does not preside over destiny of people of Bengal, they are not your 'jagir': PM Modi at rally

A security person stands guard as people wait to cast their votes at a polling station, during the 4th phase of Assembly elections at Bhangar, in South 24 Pargana, Saturday, April 10, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Election Commission orders adjourning the poll in Polling Station 125 of Sitalkurchi Assembly Constituency, Cooch Behar based on an interim report from Special Observers. Detailed reports sought from them and Chief Electoral Officer by 5 pm today.

(ANI)

A security person keeps vigil as people wait in queues to cast votes at a polling station, during the 4th phase of Assembly elections at Bhangar, in South 24 Pargana, Saturday, April 10, 2021.

(PTI)

CRPF have killed voters standing in the queue, where do they get so much of audacity? BJP knows that they have lost so they are killing voters & workers: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

(ANI)

CRPF has shot dead 4 people in Sitalkuchi (Cooch Behar) today. There was another death in the morning. CRPF is not my enemy but there's a conspiracy going around under the instruction of Home Minister & today's incident is a proof: WB CM Mamata Banerjee

(ANI)

It's time to change the kind of political environment, that has been created in Bengal for past several decades. 'Tolabaaj mukt' Bengal will be formed now. 'Syndicate mukt' Bengal will be formed now. 'Cut money mukt' Bengal will be formed now: PM Modi

(ANI)

Wherever Mamata goes, she curses me: PM Modi

The Prime Minister alleged that Mamata is training people to gherao Central forces and attack them. "Central forces arent afraid of terrorists and Naxals, they won't fear your goons," PM attacks CM Mamata.

"Didi, this violence, tactics of instigating people to attack the Security Forces, the tactics of obstructing the polling process will not protect you. This violence can't protect you from the 10 years of your ill-governance"

I would like to tell Didi, TMC & their goons clearly that their ways will not be allowed to work in Bengal. I urge the Election Commission to take strict action against the accused of the incident in Cooch Behar: PM Narendra Modi in Siliguri

A five-member delegation of the All India Trinamool Congress will meet the Election Commission in Kolkata, today.

(ANI)

PM Modi addresses a rally in Siliguri

What happened in Cooch Behar is very saddening. My sympathies are with the families of those who died, I condole their demise. Didi & her goons are perturbed, seeing the people's support for BJP. She has stooped to this level as she can see her chair slipping away: PM in Siliguri

No question of post-poll tie-up with Mamata Banerjee: Adhir

West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury ruled out the possibility of extending support to the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC or seeking her support in case the high-octane assembly elections throw up a fractured mandate.

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Trinamool Congress to address press conference at 1 pm today.

Voters wait in a queue to cast their vote at a polling station during the 4th phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls in Cooch Behar district , Saturday, April 10,2021. Credit: PTI Photo

In Pics | West Bengal queues up to vote in phase 4 of Assembly elections

In the fourth phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, 44 seats across five districts will go to the pollson Saturday.

See here

Anti-incumbency against Trinamool has opened the doors for BJP in Bengal, says TMC's election strategist Prashant Kishor in audio of leaked clubhouse chat

(ANI)

Central Forces opened fire twice. In Block 1 of Mathabhanga (Cooch Behar) 1 was killed & 3 injured, in Sitalkuchi block, 3 were killed & 1 injured. Central Forces are doing injustice to people & they've crossed limits. When CM called them out, EC issued her notices: Dola Sen, TMC

(ANI/PTI)

Security personnel assists woman voter get to polling booth in West Bengal

TMC alleges that four persons in Cooch Behar's Sitalkuchi constituency have been shot dead by the Central forces.

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TMC candidate from Sitalkuchi constituency Udayan Guha allegedly attacked by TMC cadres. His vehicle has been vandalised. Guha has complained to the Election Commission. BJP denied the allegation.

(DHNS)

BJP candidate from Chunchura Locket Chatterjee allegedly attacked by TMC cadres. Her car was pelted with with stones.

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Voter allegedly shot dead by TMC cadres in Bengal

A voter was allegedly shot dead in a queue outside a polling booth in the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district. His family members have alleged that the TMC cadres shot him.

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EC seeks report on allegation of voter being shot dead

The voter is identified as Ananda Barman. He was about 18 year old. Local TMC leadership claimed that Barman was a TMC supporter

A voter was allegedly shot dead in a queue outside a polling booth in the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency in West Bengal's Coochbehar district

His family members alleged that TMC cadres shot him. TMC has denied the allegations

PM Modi urges people to vote in record numbers

No question of post-poll tie-up with Mamata Banerjee: Adhir

West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury ruled out the possibility of extending support to the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC or seeking her support in case the high-octane assembly elections throw up a fractured mandate.

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The TMC has alleged bomb blast outside the Cooch Behar polling booth

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name: Sitalkuchi
•Booth No.: 177 and 178
•Issue: Polling Agent is Forcefully Kept Outside of Booth By BJP

• District - Coochbehar
• AC Name - Sitai
• Booth no – 50
• Issue - A bomb blast just happened outside the booth

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 39
•Issue: Polling Agent Kept out of the Booth

• District - Coochbehar
• AC Name - Sitai
• Booth no - 19
• Issue - BJP cadre is not allowing people to enter the booths

• District - Coochbehar
• AC Name - Mathabhanga
• Booth no - 144
• Issue - BJP workers are stopping the voters from voting

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 208
•Issue: BJP Workers Are Threatening The Voters To Not Vote For AITC, on their Way To Booth

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 265
•Issue: CRPFs Are Hassling The Voters To Vote For BJP

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 137
•Issue: BJP Workers Not Letting The AITC People To Vote Fairly

District - Coochbehar
Ac no - Sitalkuchi
Booth No - 265, 233, 234
Issue - BJP not allowing TMC BLA inside the booth

•District: Cooch Behar
•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 02 | 134
•Booth Category : B | C
•Issue: CRPFs are Letting The Voters To Vote For AITC, They Are Threatening The Voters

District - Coochbehar
Ac no - Sitalkuchi
Booth No - 164,155,155A
Issue - BJP worker gathering inside 100 m

• District -Coochbehar
• AC Name -Natabari
• Booth no -04
• Issue -Central force asking voters to vote for BJP

Three-fold rise in the BJP's vote share is a challenge for TMC in phase 4 of Bengal polls

The fourth phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections in which 44 Assembly seats in five districts will go to polls, will be a high-stakes battle for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. While the TMC will seek to retain 39 out of the 44 seats which it won in the 2016 Assembly election, the BJP will try to maintainthe more than three-fold increase in its vote share from the 2016 Assembly elections to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

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West Bengal Assembly Elections 2016 results

TMC alleges BJP, CPI(M) camping near polling booths in Hooghly and South 24 Parganas

• District - Hooghly
• AC Name - Pandua
• Booth no - 155
• Issue - 15 BJP workers are camping within 100 meters of polling station. Around 100 voters are in the queue to cast their vote.

• District – South 24 Parganas
• AC Name - Sonarpur Uttar
• Booth no - 119, 120, 121, 122.
• Issue - CPIM has set up camp within 200 meters of the booth. And BJP workers are gathering in groups of 6-7 outside the booths.

TMC alleges police creating ruckus and charging people who are standing in line

• District – South 24 Paragana
• AC Name – Maheshtala
• Booth no – 194
• Issue – Police is creating ruckus and charging people who are standing in line. This is leading to voters returning back without casting their votes

BJP workers allegedly attacked in the Sitalkuchi constituency of Cooch Behar district in West Bengal By TMC cadres. One BJP workers sustained injuries

BJP goons not allowing TMC booth agents to enter several Booths at Coochbehar's Natabari, Sitalkuchi, Tufanganj, Mathabhanga and Dinhata

BJP goons not allowing TMC booth agents to enter several Booths at Coochbehar's Natabari, Sitalkuchi, Tufanganj, Mathabhanga and Dinhata

Following are the details of some of the booths:

• AC Name - natabari
• Booth no -241
• Issue - polling agent can't able to get inside the booth

• AC Name - Natabari
• Booth no -176,177
• Issue - BJP cadres not letting go Polling agent inside booth

• AC Name - Sitalkuchi
• Booth no - 38
• Issue: Booth Agent is not allowed to enter the Booth. BJP Workers are creating a fuss

• AC Name - Sitalkuchi
• Booth no - 131 | 137 | 287
• Issue: Booth Agent is not allowed to enter the Booth. BJP workers creating a fuss

• AC Name - Tufanganj
• Booth no - 187
• Issue – No central force or police deployed and TMC polling agent kicked out of booth

•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 02
•Issue: Polling Agent Not Allowed To Enter By BJP Workers

• AC Name - Dinhata
• Booth no -229
• Issue -Booth agent not allowed inside. MP and MLA candidate Nisith Pramnik's Gram Panchayat

• AC Name - Mathabhanga
• Booth no - 111
• Issue - The booth agent isn't being allowed to go inside

• AC Name - Dinhata
• Booth no -228
• Issue -Booth agent not allowed inside. MP and MLA candidate Nisith Pramnik's GP

•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 38
•Issue: Polling Agent Not Allowed To Enter By BJP Workers

• AC Name - Coochbehar Dakshin
• Booth no -83
• Issue - Not allowing TMC booth agent inside the polling station.

•AC Name : Sitalkuchi
•Booth No. : 127
•Issue: Polling Agent Not Allowed To Enter By BJP Workers

Polling in phase 4 of West Bengal elections begin

The fourth phase will be a high-stakes battle for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP. While the TMC will seek to retain 39 out of the 44 seats which it won in the 2016 Assembly election, the BJP will try to maintain the more than three-fold increase in its vote share from the 2016 Assembly elections to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The fate of 373 candidates will be decided by more than 1 crore voters.

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It's minister versus minister in the star-studded Tollygunge seat

The Tollygunge constituency in Kolkata will witness a battle of political heavyweights between BJP Union Minister Babul Supriyo and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Minister and three-time MLA Arup Biswas. The constituency,known as the hub of the Bengali film industry called Tollywood, is known for the political jostling among parties for control over the industry.

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