Nandigram is the key constituency as Mamata Banerjee is contesting elections from there against her former aide Suvendu Adhikari, who defected to the BJP a few months ago.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday called Governor Jagdeep Dhankar after Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters clashed at a polling booth in Nandigram and she got stuck there for more than an hour. She alleged that the Election Commission (EC) was responsible for not taking control of the situation as it was in charge of law and order.
"Anything might happen at any moment… There is total breakdown of law and order," she said as she feared for her life. She was rescued by Central paramilitary forces. The EC has sought a report on the matter from the local administration. Nandigram is the key constituency as Ms Banerjee is contesting elections from there instead of Bhowanipore against her former aide Suvendu Adhikari, who defected to the BJP a few months ago.
Initial hours of voting of the second phase of the Assembly elections were peaceful that later turned chaotic after both party supporters clashed with each other following which Trinamool leaders demanded re-polling in booth number 7. Ms Banerjee alleged that the goons "from other states are creating ruckus" and she has lodged 63 poll-related complaints since morning, yet no action has been taken by the Election Commission.
"People who are raising slogans are outsiders. They came from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They are being protected by Central Forces," added Ms Banerjee. Senior party leader Derek O'Brien also wrote to the EC, alleging BJP workers were trying to "take control of EVM" and capture booths.
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