West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, April 29. Both the leaders were found in the same polling booth area in Bhabanipur`s Chakraberia on Wednesday morning and took swipes at one another without any direct interaction, underlining the prestige battle unfolding in the CM`s political bastion.
As reported by news agency PTI, though they did not come face-to-face or exchange courtesies, the two rival candidates were briefly in the same area in Ward Number 70 of Chakraberia. Mamata Banerjee was seated outside a local party office after receiving complaints of alleged intimidation of local TMC leaders.
Mamata and Suvendu on the same booth
As Banerjee remained on the verandah of the party office, Adhikari arrived on the road, just opposite the spot, accompanied by a large contingent of central forces personnel, and launched an attack on the chief minister, claiming she had realised that “not a single vote” was coming her way.
Banerjee accused the BJP of ‘rigging’ the elections
While Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to “rig” the election using central forces, police observers and election officials, Adhikari dismissed her allegations as signs of “frustration”, saying the chief minister was “scared” because state police no longer controlled the polling process.
Adhikari, while talking to the media, said, “Mamata Banerjee is scared. Her police have been replaced by central forces, which is why she is scared. The Election Commission has deployed CAPFs here, so if she has any problem, she should approach the EC. Why have 40-50 people come with her?” as cited by PTI.
Adhikari accuses Banerjee of moving around with 50-60 goons
Adhikari also accused Banerjee of moving around with “50-60 goons” despite prohibitory orders under Section 163 being in force.
Adhikari also added, “Mamata Banerjee is a candidate. She can certainly visit booths. But why this `goodagardi` (hooliganism)? I have complained to the Kolkata DEO. No one will be allowed to indulge in intimidation this time,” as per PTI.
Standing at Chakraberia, Adhikari also campaigned against Banerjee, saying, “No one is voting for her.” People should be allowed to vote freely. I will win Bhabanipur with a margin of at least 30,000 votes.”
Banerjee, who usually steps out of her Kalighat residence only in the afternoon to cast her vote at Mitra Institution School, broke convention this time and hit the ground before 8 am, signalling the political stakes attached to the constituency and the larger battle for south Bengal.
As polling got underway in 142 constituencies in the second and final phase of the assembly elections, Banerjee moved through Chetla, Padmapukur and Chakraberia, visiting booths, speaking to local leaders and sitting outside the polling station in ward number 70 after complaints that the local councillor was allegedly being prevented from stepping out of his home.
(With inputs from PTI)