Bengal Polls: Only Rafale Deployment Left, Abhishek Banerjee Jibes at Election Commission

During the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections across 142 seats, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticized the massive deployment of central forces. He claimed that only Rafale jets and warships remain to be deployed, questioning the Election Commission's heavy security measures.

Voting for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway across 142 constituencies amidst stringent security measures. To ensure a smooth and fair polling process, the Election Commission (EC) has deployed 2,321 companies of central forces across eight districts, along with numerous observers. However, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the heavy security presence. Senior party leader Abhishek Banerjee took a sarcastic swipe at the EC, stating that only the deployment of Rafale jets is now pending in Bengal.

Abhishek Banerjee’s Jibe at Security Deployment

Abhishek Banerjee, the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioned the scale of the security arrangements, saying, “Only the deployment of Rafale was left in Bengal. Deploying INS warships is also pending. ” He further added that the deployment, which should have been directed towards the borders of Pakistan and Bangladesh, is being used against the people of Bengal. Directly addressing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Abhishek Banerjee remarked, “Gyanesh Kumar, deploy whoever you want, while we will win the elections here with a huge margin.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges 'Terrorism' by Observers

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, contesting from the Bhowanipore assembly seat, also criticized the situation, while she alleged, “So many observers have come from outside. They're doing exactly what the BJP tells them to do. Look around, all our posters have been removed. Is this how elections are conducted? Voters will cast their votes, not the police or security forces. Some new people have been brought in recently, and they're doing whatever they please.

Key Statistics and Security Infrastructure

Voter Turnout and Political Context

Since Wednesday morning, significant activity has been observed at polling stations in Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman. Long queues formed outside booths even before the 7:00 AM start. 19% voter turnout, the highest ever recorded in the state. In the 2021 elections, the ruling TMC secured 123 out of these 142 seats, while the BJP won 18 and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) took one. The most high-profile contest in this phase is in Bhowanipore, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.