New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) ordered suspension of polls on Saturday at polling station number 126 in the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency of West Bengal amid reports of violence.
A spokesperson of the poll panel said the decision was based on an interim report filed by special observers. Detailed reports have been sought from them and the state Chief Electoral Officer by 5 pm.
“(The) commission hereby orders adjourning the poll in PS 126 of Sitalkuchi AC (Assembly constituency), Cooch Behar, based on an interim report from special observers. Detailed reports are sought from them and the CEO by 5 pm,” he said.
The polling has been suspended at Amtali Madhyamik Siksha Kendra (polling booth number 126) of the Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency.
A repoll would be ordered in the coming days in accordance with the laid-down procedure, a source said.
The decision comes against the backdrop of four persons being killed as central forces allegedly opened fire after coming under attack from locals, who “attempted to snatch their rifles”, in Cooch Behar district on Saturday.
The incident took place in the Sitalkuchi area when voting was underway, a senior district police officer said.
“According to preliminary reports, four persons were killed as CISF personnel opened fire after coming under attack in a village,” he said.
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I am surprised to see that news media is scared to link this incident with the CM’s provocative and outrageous narrative over past several days inciting people to commit violence against the central forces, who are out to do their duty for this nation. Is it surprising that continuous incitement of this kind by a popular leader would push their violent cadre towards mindless violence like this? Mamata must be held accountable for incitement of violence. Let her be banned from campaigning for the rest of the elections for now and be named in a FIR for these avoidable and horrendous loss of life.