West Bengal: TMC leader Derek O’ Brien writes to EC, appeals to apprehend BJP goons, ensure free & fair polls

TMC MP Derek O Brien wrote to Election Commission on Tuesday over sporadic incidents of violence which were reported in some areas where voting is underway in the third phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.

Appealing to the Election Commission to intervene and check the violenace, Derek O'Brien wrote, “You are called upon to apprehend the goons of BJP, ensure that no corrupt practices take place, ensure the safety of our workers/members, ensure that polls are conducted freely and fairly.”

“Goons of BJP attacked TMC candidate Sujata Mondal at Arandi-I booth no.263 Mahallapara. Her personal security officer has suffered injuries on head & is in critical state. CRPF personnel were silent spectators,” he added in the letter.

In Arambagh, TMC leader Sujata Mondal Khan accused the BJP of threatening the TMC supporters, an allegation denied by the saffron party.

“In Arandi-I area, we've minority voters who love Mamata Banerjee. Goons of BJP threatened and tortured women voters last night, said Sujata Mondal, TMC candidate from Arambagh, as quoted by news agency ANI.

“Situation is fine at many places but not okay where we're strong. At booth 45, people voted for TMC but it's going to BJP. In Arandi-ii, our workers were beaten. Central Forces are also not neutral. They're telling people to vote for BJP,” she further was quoted as saying.

A BJP supporter's family member was allegedly killed in Hooghly district, hours before the commencement of polling in the area, police said.

Madhabi Adak succumbed to her injuries sustained while protecting her son from a few men who barged into their house, they said.

Adak's family accused that the TMC was behind the incident, a charge denied by the ruling party.