The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections has begun in West Bengal, with polling taking place in three constituencies of North Bengal: Darjeeling, Balurghat, and Raiganj. The voting process started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. The overall voter turnout stands at 15.68% as of 9 am, with Raiganj at 16.61%, Darjeeling at 14.76%, and Balurghat at 14.7%.
In Balurghat, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar is seeking re-election and faces a challenge from veteran TMC leader and Minister Biplab Mitra. Majumdar has reported altercations with TMC workers, accusing them of being present in large numbers at polling booths. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused central forces of interfering with the democratic process and obstructing voters.
Raiganj is witnessing a contest between BJP’s Kartick Paul and TMC’s Krishna Kalyani, a former BJP MLA. In Balurghat, Majumdar aims to secure a second term, while TMC’s Biplab Mitra, currently a minister, is competing for the seat.
In Darjeeling, the focus is on the demand for Gorkhaland statehood, with a four-way race involving sitting BJP MP Raju Bista, independent candidate Bishnu Prasad Sharma, and TMC’s Gopal Lama. The region is known for its tea, timber, and tourism industries.
Security measures include the deployment of 272 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and nearly 13,000 state police personnel across the constituencies. Complaints of EVM issues and alleged misconduct by central forces have been reported.
