A violent clash erupted between various workers of political parties including TMC, BJP, Congress and CPI (M) during the poll day of panchayat elections on 8 July 2023 in West Bengal. According to reports of Aljazeera and Reuters, at least 11 were killed and dozens more injured in clashes.[3][4] Partial violence across the state had started from the announcement of the dates of polling from 8 June resulting in few casualties too. With polling and elections going on, violence against many workers continued over the streets of the state. The state witnessed gun shots, assaults, rioting and arsons wide across many parts of the state. Moreover, ballot boxes had been destroyed in various parts of the state. The polling process began at 7 am in 73,887 seats in rural areas of the state, where approximately 56,700,000 people were expected to cast their votes.[5]
| 2023 West Bengal panchayat poll violence | |
|---|---|
| Date | 8 June 2023 - 13 July 2023 |
| Location | 22°59′12″N 87°51′18″E / 22.9868°N 87.8550°E |
| Caused by | Violent clashes between workers of political parties across various parts of the state |
| Methods | Arson, Shooting, Rioting |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 48 [1] |
| Injuries | 400+ [2] |
  Location within India | |
Background
editPrimarily Bhangar in West Bengal saw stones being pelted and kachcha bombs being burst when a sudden violent clash began between workers of Indian Secular Front and Trinamool Congress. This further spread across various parts of the state, where polling for panchayats were being carried on, mainly around the rural parts of the state.[6]
Casualties
editThe clashes reportedly led to more than 15 deaths with allegations of strong-arm tactics, and several numbers injured, admitted in hospitals. The reports said deaths included around 7 TMC workers, 2 BJP workers, 2 ISF workers and others involved in riots and clashes.[7]
Reactions
editThe governor of West Bengal C. V. Ananda Bose reacted stating that "We must kill poverty, but poor are being killed" and expressed disappointment in the state's management of polls. He also called these incidents disturbing and said he would be submitting reports to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.[8]
The Leader of Opposition Suvendhu Adhikari called it as "Death of Democracy" and demanded for a free and fair poll to be rescheduled.[9] Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh said it to be "frightening" and appealed for peace and strict handling of situation to the state government.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Bengal Panchayat Election 2023 HIGHLIGHTS — SEC Says Will Look Into Poll Violence Complaints, Demands For Repolling, [1]
- ^ LIVE | Bengal Panchayat Polls: 13 Killed In Massive Poll Violence
- ^ "At least 11 killed in local polls in India's West Bengal: Reports". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
- ^ "At least 10 killed in poll-related violence in India's West Bengal". Reuters. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
- ^ "Violence continues in Bengal, several areas to vote again". Hindustan Times. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ "West Bengal Panchayat polls marred by violence, 12 dead; Here's top developments". mint. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Bengal violence death toll rises to 20 as repolling takes place in over 600 booths". The Indian Express. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Bengal Governor flies to Delhi, likely to submit poll violence report to Amit Shah". India Today. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ "BJP's Suvendu Adhikari puts lock on election office after Bengal poll violence". India Today. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ "Congress leader Digvijaya Singh makes big remark on Bengal Panchayat Election Violence". Zee News. Retrieved 10 July 2023.