Lok Sabha Election 2019: 61 per cent polling in phase 2 till 5:30 pm
New Delhi, Apr 18 (UNI/IBNS): An estimated 61 per cent polling was recorded in second phase of the Lok Sabha elections for 95 seats till 5:30 pm on Thursday.
According to the Election Commission, an estimated 61.12% voter turnout was recorded at 95 seats in 12 states and Union territories till 5:30 pm.
Reports of violence came from several places in Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal.
While CPM candidate Md. Salim's car was attacked with stones when he was on his way to cast his vote at Patagora of Raigunj constituency, violence erupted near a booth in Girpar under the same constituency. In Raiganj, Salim is up against Congress' Deepa Dasmunsi.
Voters have in Girpar and Chopra under the Darjeeling constituency blocked roads claiming they had not been allowed to vote. In Darjeeling, police had to fire in the air to disperse the mob.
In Bengal, apart from Raiganj and Darjeeling polling is also taking place in the Jalpaiguri seat.
Villagers in Raiganj alleged booth capturing by ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Protesters blocking highway were lathi-charged by security forces. Villagers are alleging violence and intimidation.
BJP candidate from Raiganj constituency Debasree Chaudhuri alleged TMC workers are trying to capture booths at Raiganj Coronation High School.
"They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn't election campaign," she said.
Protests erupted in Chopra under Raiganj constituency after villagers took a person to the police. Villagers alleged that the person, said to be a Trinamool Congress supporter, was obstructing them from casting their votes. The villagers were being led by policemen to a booth after they blocked NH31, alleging they were not allowed to cast their votes.
While they were being led to the polling station, the villagers stopped on the way and said they don’t have any faith in the state police and began demanding that central forces escort them.
The voting process was halted at upper Bagdogra's 25/47 booth under Darjeeling constituency after a black tape was found on the BJP symbol in an EVM.
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