Amid widespread violence as voting for the three-tier panchayat elections in West Bengal continued on Saturday, several polling booths are without security cover.
The maximum number of booths where the polling process is on without the presence of central armed forces personnel includes in Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and the tribal-dominated pockets in Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts.
“The arrival of the central forces personnel was completed on late Friday night and in that 11th hour it was hardly possible to ensure proper deployment,” said a state Election Commission official.
Condemning the developments, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembl,y Suvendu Adhikari said in a tweet: “West Bengal Panchayat Elections - Carnival of DEMO'N'CRACY Mamata Banerjee's henchman & contract killer; State Election Commissioner Rajiv Sinha is executing her plans across the State."
The state Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha, who arrived in his office some three hours late after voting began at 7.30 a.m., is yet to make a comment on the violence.
However, sources from the state election commission office said that it was evident since Friday evening that the proper deployment of central armed forces in all polling booths will not be possible.
Three Jaish terrorists killed in J&K encounter
Three terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed on Thursday in a gunfight with the security forces in Nader village of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
Assam Rifles kill 10 militants in fierce gunbattle in Manipur; operation underway
In a major counter-insurgency operation, at least 10 militants were killed during a fierce encounter with the Assam Rifles in Manipur's Chandel district, as security forces continue their intensified crackdown on insurgent groups across the state.
Top BSF official emphasises need for heightened vigilance on Indo-B’desh border
A Border Security Force (BSF) spokesman said that Agrawal, a senior IPS officer, underlined the maximum vigil along the India-Bangladesh border to ensure a prompt and effective response to any adverse situation.
Oil India Limited begins gas exploration work in Tripura
In a significant development, the state-owned Oil India Limited (OIL) commenced its exploration and production activities in Tripura by spudding its well at Debtamura in Tripura’s Gomati district, officials said here on Wednesday.
BJP holds 'Tiranga Yatra' in Tripura, Mizoram to honour armed forces
As part of the ongoing nationwide outreach efforts, the BJP on Wednesday organised 'Tiranga Yatra' in Tripura and Mizoram to celebrate the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
CBSE Results: State sees rise in pass percentages, 15 schools achieve 100 perent
Tripura has recorded a remarkable improvement in CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exam results this year, with a notable surge in pass percentages and exceptional performances from Vidya Jyoti schools.
CM extends swift help to ailing citizens in Mukhyamantri Samipeshu
In the 43rd edition of the ‘Mukhyamantri Samipeshu’ held today, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha directly interacted with citizens from across the state who sought assistance for various health and livelihood concerns.
Bangladeshi national detained at Agartala Railway Station
A Bangladeshi national, Rabiya Akter Ruksana (26), was detained today by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Agartala Railway Station.