As the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections unfolds across 142 seats, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal is leveraging CCTV networks for comprehensive monitoring. From Kolkata’s election war room, he’s coordinating responses to emerging challenges, ensuring voter safety and poll integrity.
In a press briefing, Agarwal highlighted the success of the first phase’s record turnout. ‘The Election Commission aims for universal participation. The 93% benchmark from phase one is proof of what’s possible,’ he noted, calling for enthusiastic voting.
‘Everything is progressing peacefully. We’re addressing glitches on the spot,’ Agarwal added, dismissing fears of widespread disruption. Responding to Mamata Banerjee’s charges of central force bias favoring BJP, he countered firmly: ‘Provide names of rowdies; no one will escape scrutiny. Our cameras are catching every violation.’
Violence erupted in key areas like South 24 Parganas. At a Saihaati polling booth in Bhangar, TMC activists protested AISF candidate Mohammad Nawsad Siddiqui’s presence, leading to heated exchanges and physical confrontations. Central troops separated the groups, stabilizing the situation.
The AISF leader accused TMC of sabotaging polls after initial calm. Separately, BJP’s Basanti hopeful Vikas Sardar reported an assault and damage to his vehicle by alleged TMC supporters. These incidents underscore the high stakes, yet Agarwal’s tech-driven oversight promises accountability and order throughout the day.
