Brisk voting across Siliguri, minor disruptions in some booths

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded largely peacefully in Siliguri and its adjoining constituencies on Thursday, with only minor tensions reported in some areas over allegations of proxy voting and heated exchanges between TMC and BJP supporters.

The overall calm was widely attributed to the strong presence of central forces, which played a key role in maintaining law and order. No incidents of booth capturing or large-scale rigging were reported, with central forces maintaining strict vigil throughout the day. In several booths, they took full charge of security to prevent voter intimidation.

A steady rush of voters was witnessed from early morning across Siliguri, Naxalbari, Matigara, Phansidewa and nearby areas, reflecting high enthusiasm among the electorate. Polling was briefly delayed in some booths in Phansidewa due to technical glitches in voting machines, but normalcy was restored later. Booth number 27/22 saw a delay of around two hours, while booth number 27/130 experienced a one-hour disruption.

By 5 pm, Phansidewa recorded the highest voter turnout at 91.61 per cent, followed by 90.68 per cent in Matigara-Naxalbari, 86.51 per cent in Siliguri, 81.23 per cent in Darjeeling and 81.18 per cent in Kurseong.

Tension was reported from Siliguri’s Dangipara area and booth number 26/237 at Jagdish Chandra Vidyapith, where clashes broke out between TMC and BJP workers following heated arguments. Central forces intervened promptly to disperse the crowds and restore order.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista spent the day visiting polling booths and interacting with candidates. He described the voting process as peaceful and expressed confidence in the BJP’s performance, thanking voters and candidates for ensuring a smooth poll.

Meanwhile, senior TMC leader and former Mayor of SiliguriGautam Deb alleged that central forces had acted in a manner that favoured the BJP. “There were several instances of proxy voting and interference by central forces. The people will give their verdict through the ballot,” he said.