Give protection on counting day: CPM

Apprehending large-scale violence after the announcement of the Assembly election results on Thursday, CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra urged the Election Commission to take pre-emptive security measures and protect the people who were being targeted by the ruling Trinamul Congress workers.

In a letter to chief election commissioner (CEC), Mr Mishra wrote, “Unfortunately, in West Bengal, attacks are mounting on voters by hooligans of the ruling Trinamul Congress with tacit support from a section of the state police. Many people in different parts of the state, including children, aged persons, women, polling agents and polling personnel, were either seriously injured or even murdered by TMC criminals ever since the different poll phases were completed. Unfortunately, no tangible actions have been taken till date.”

Urging the poll panel to ensure protection for citizens, Mr Mishra wrote, “We are apprehensive that there might be a spurt in such incidents in the coming days.”

We strongly feel that it is the responsibility of the EC to ensure protection for citizens who are subjected to such barbaric attacks because of their participation in the democratic process of voting. There is already a demand for protection.”

It may be noted that since the exit poll results were aired by news channel, which predicted that the TMC would remain in power, there has been a rise in attacks against the Opposition by ruling party activists. However, the TMC denied such allegations and said no party worker was involved in the incidents of violence.

About 20,000 Central and state officials will be involved in counting votes on Thursday in 394 counting halls in 90 counting venues across the state. The Election Commission has made a three-tier security arrangement and has deployed 78 companies of CAPF to ensure tight security at the counting venues.

The counting of votes for the six-phase Assembly election in West Bengal will begin at 8 am on Thursday. Besides counting observers, there will be counting supervisor, counting assistant, counting micro observers, counting agent of candidates and additional counting staff in each counting venue. Two micro observers will be present in each counting hall.