Bengal panchayat poll results LIVE: TMC trailing in Nandigram and Bhangar

The ruling Trinamool Congress party in West Bengal looking all set to gain the mandate in the violence-scarred state rural poll. As per SEC, the latest tally in 63229 Gram Panchayat seats is:

• Trinamool Congress - 37991
• Bharatiya Janata Party - 8159
• Left - 2739
• Congress - 2162

The Bengal BJP has slammed the Mamata Banerjee-led government in the state over the violence and sought urgent action to restore peace in the state. The party said, "The recent Panchayat elections in Bengal have exposed a disturbing scene of violence and bloodshed, leaving the nation in shock. BJP workers brutally attacked and killed, even during result announcements. This grim reality showcases the dark face of violence under Mamata Banerjee's regime. Urgent action is needed to restore peace and protect lives."

West Bengal TMC leader Madan Mitra launched scathing attack on West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday, saying, "The Governor has no power except appointing the state election commission officer. Whatever violence is going on in the state, the Governor is responsible for it. The people of Bengal hate him. As soon as, possible he should return to Delhi." 

#WATCH | Kolkata: "The Governor has no power except appointing the state election commission officer....Whatever violence is going on in the state the Governor is responsible for it...The people of Bengal hate him...As soon as possible he should return to Delhi: West Bengal TMC… pic.twitter.com/6oKH4dH4ZM

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2023

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee came down heavily on the opposition as the party appeared to be heading towards victory in the West Bengal panchayat polls. He said, "The dejection of the combined opposition of BJP, CPIM and INC pales in comparison to the sadness that must be felt by friends from mainstream media. Even a malicious campaign with baseless propaganda to malign the AITC State Government in West Bengal couldn't sway the voters! Grateful to the people for converting Opposition’s ‘NO VOTE TO MAMATA’ campaign to ‘NOW VOTE FOR MAMATA'. With unwavering support to #TrinamooleNaboJowar, we'll surely have a roaring mandate, paving the way for LS elections. Bengal, I thank you for all the love." 

The Trinamool Congress has reacted to the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations on Bengal violence, saying, the people who lost their lives or suffered loss of life of their loved ones were their own people and the government did best to protect them. The party clearly asserted that the BJP is responsible for the violence as the TMC will never kill their own people. 

BJP National Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla has attacked the ruling TMC-government of West Bengal over violent incidents that took place in the state. He said, “Bomb blasts and booth capturing, this is the 'Loot of Loktantra'. Whatever has happened in West Bengal is the victory of violence, not of democracy.” 
 

Whatever has happened in West Bengal is the victory of violence, not of democracy: BJP's @Shehzad_Ind takes on Mamata Banerjee government over the ongoing situation in the state.#WestBengalViolence #WestBengalPanchayatPolls #WestBengalPanchayatPollResults #MamataBanerjee… pic.twitter.com/urmJQrY1Uc

— Republic (@republic) July 11, 2023

Howrah, South 24 Parganas and Malda are reportedly the worst violence hit district of West Bengal, where hurling of crude bombs, pelting of stones, vandalism of properties and attack on police parties took place on large scale.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers have alleged that miscreants from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) attacked them in the presence of the Daldas police in West Bengal on counting day. It is also being claimed that a BJP MLA also got injured during the incident. 
 

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday informed the media personnel of his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said that a meeting was held and a message was conveyed and further decisions will be taken at the appropriate time in appropriate manner. 

National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), BL Santosh has termed the incidents of violence in Bengal, amid counting of votes, as another round of murder of democracy. He said, "Though the Bengal BJP is performing well in panchayat elections, the way counting process is held is another round of murder of democracy. Our counting agents, candidates are beaten up," He even questioned the State Election Commission saying that the SEC hasn’t acted on any of the 34 complaints, which is highly condemnable.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose sends message to political parties on counting day in the state and said, "We need to work together for success. Our motive is to fight against the enemy. The first enemy is violence and the second enemy is corruption."

The Indian Secular Front (ISF) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers clash on counting day in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas. Reportedly, crude bombs were hurled and TMC's office were also vandalised in the district. 

ISF and TMC workers clash on counting day, crude bombs hurled and TMC's office vandalised on the day of counting; Republic is on ground to get you the fastest updates on West Bengal Panchayat poll results.#BJP #WestBengalViolence #WestBengalPanchayatPolls… pic.twitter.com/6B1mcH6ppk

— Republic (@republic) July 11, 2023

Amid the ongoing counting for the panchayat polls in West Bengal, reports of violent incidents also kept surfacing from several parts of the state. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has appealed to bury differences for the people of Bengal. The Governor said, "The election is important and we have to bury differences for the people of Bengal."

The ruling Trinamool Congress party has taken a major lead on 1716 seats in all districts of West Bengal, while the BJP is leading on 274 seats. Apart from them the Congress party is leading on 139 seats, the Left on 113 and others on 111 seats. Meanwhile, reports of violence kept surfacing from several parts of the state, amid ongoing counting for the panchayat polls. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday alleged that the central forces deployed in West Bengal were blocked by the state government. The party also raised serious questions on the Congress for remaining silence on the massive violence during the panchayat polls in Bengal. 

#BREAKING | BJP alleges central forces blocked by Bengal Govt, questions Congress' silence https://t.co/XE46RMQIWL
#BJP #WestBengalViolence #WestBengalPanchayatPolls #WestBengalPanchayatPollResults #MamataBanerjee #CVAnandaBose pic.twitter.com/btqJj14bTr

— Republic (@republic) July 11, 2023

A ruckus ensued at a counting booth in Falimari gram panchayat of Cooch Behar after ink and water was thrown on ballot papers here allegedly by a TMC candidate.

#LIVE | West Bengal Panchayat Poll Results: Back-to-back violence on counting day; Fresh clashes reported in Durgapur.#WestBengalViolence #WestBengalPanchayatPolls #WestBengalPanchayatPollResults #MamataBanerjee #CVAnandaBose

WATCH #LIVE here-https://t.co/BCos8Ot5C9 pic.twitter.com/MTIiDS3j8F

— Republic (@republic) July 11, 2023

As counting of votes for West Bengal panchayat polls continue, explosion in Bhangar took place. This is the third such explosion in one hour. 

#BREAKING | At least 3 explosions heard in Bhangar as counting of votes continues.#WestBengalViolence #WestBengalPanchayatPolls #WestBengalPanchayatPollResults #MamataBanerjee #CVAnandaBose

WATCH #LIVE here-https://t.co/BCos8Ot5C9 pic.twitter.com/xbMJEwGlxN

— Republic (@republic) July 11, 2023

West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sukanta Majumdar viisited booths in Kaliyaganj to boost morale ahead of the panchayat poll result. 

A BJP candidate, Barun Sundar dragged out of a counting centre in Barrackpore by security personnel amid the counting of votes here. Details awaited.

Lambasting the Mamata Banerjee led TMC government in the violence hit state, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee. "Mamata ji should give an answer that, is this democarcy?"

Coming down heavily on the Mamata Banerjee led TMC govt, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra stated on Tuesday, "Now where is Nitish Kumar, Rahul Gandhi. Why all are mute now? nobody is speaking on Bengal violence." 

He further stated that the Congress leader "Gandhi just wants power by hook or by crook."

"Silence of Congress shows the ambition of Congress," he added. 

Trinamool Congress workers accused of brutally hitting female BJP counting agent. Allegedly TMC workers attacked her and tore her clothes, sources said. The counting agent refused to disclose her name. She accused “TMC goons” of thrashing her husband, who was left profusely bleeding on the streets. The BJP candidate said they were mobbed and beaten up today because they had stopped vote rigging on polling day. The incident took place in Nischinta area of Howrah district.

BJP Zilla Parishad 76 candidate of Bishnupur 2 Shri Anup Pailan brutally attacked in the counting centre.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday (July 11) spoke on the West Bengal violence ahead of the panchayat poll result. 

Yesterday, 133 individuals who feared for their lives due to violence in the panchayat election in West Bengal sought refuge in Dhubri District of Assam. We have provided them with shelter in a relief camp, as well as food and medical assistance.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 11, 2023

VIDEO | West Bengal panchayat election results: Governor CV Ananda Bose visits counting centre in Bhangar. pic.twitter.com/ZJqm2Yt015

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2023

As per latest poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 25 out of 62 gram panchayat seats in West Bardhaman.

As per latest poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 10 out of 128 gram panchayat seats in Cooch Behar.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is ahead in 350 seats among 3317. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in three seats. LEFT is ahead in five seats. Congress is ahead in one seat, BJPM win in seven seats in Darjeeling. 

Lashing out at the Mamata Banerjee led TMC in West Bengal ahead of the West Bengal panchayat poll result, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari stated that, "The diamond harbour model' is in full swing on the counting day also. TMC goons are making candidates of BJP Bengal and other opposition political parties from entering the counting hall. They are being restricted from going towards the venue from 1-2 kms afar. Bombs are ebing hurled to intimidate the countinig agents. They are being mercilessly beaten up, even kidnapped. 

West Bengal panchayat election results: Visuals from inside a counting centre in Nadia district. pic.twitter.com/kEJCxfjJjC

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2023

West Bengal BJP MLA & general secretary Agnimitra Paul speaking on West Bengal panchayat polls says, "...people were murdered in this Panchayat election and our CM & 'Bhaipo' who made tall claims that this will be a peaceful election have not made any statement. There was firing & bombing in my constituency, there was bogus voting. So, we have no expectations with this election...There are inputs of BJP counting agents not being allowed at a few counting centres...I am sitting here & I have received information that they will attack here by this afternoon..."
 

Blast reported at a counting booth in Diamond Harbour. According to sources, an incident occurred in front of Fakirchand College. Additionally, it has been reported that counting agents from the opposition were denied entry into the counting centres. 

South 24 Parganas: West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose arrives at South counting centre. 

Bengal Panchayat polls: Counting of votes begins in Jalpaiguri amid tight security

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul speaking on West Bengal panchayat poll results stated, "44 people have been killed in panchayat poll violence till yesterday. And even today, on counting day, we have information that the TMC cadre will create a lot of ruckus. Why is Mamata Banerjee silent on these deaths?." 

As per latest poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 26 out of 211 gram panchayat seats in West Medinipur.

As per initial poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 9 out of 98 gram panchayat seats in north Dinajpur. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and other political parties are yet to secure any seats.

Ruckus outside counting centre in Uluberia of Howrah district. TMC accused of withholding entry in countring centre. Tyres burnt outside counting centre. 

TMC leads in north Dinajpur. As per initial poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 3 out of 26 zila parishad seats in north Dinajpur.

The TMC is leading in 1 zila parishad seat in Cooch Behar. As per initial poll trends, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is leading in 1 out of 34 zila parishad seats in Cooch Behar.

44 people have been killed in panchayat poll violence till yesterday. And even today, on counting day, we have information that the TMC cadre will create a lot of ruckus. Why is Mamata Banerjee silent on these deaths?" says BJP leader Agnimitra Paul on West Bengal panchayat polls.
 

Initial poll trends from Nadia, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently leading in 63 out of 185 panchayat seats in Nadia. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and other political parties are yet to secure any seats.

As the counting for West Bengal panchayat polls began, the TMC is leading in five seats in the North 24 Parganas. 

According to the initial trends of the West Bengal Panchayat polls results. the Trinamool Congress seems to have held the grip. According to inital trends, TMC takes a strong lead in majority of seats in West Bengal. The counting of votes reportedly began at 8 am on Tuesday, (July 11). 

Ahead of West Bengal Panchayat poll results, Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "...We will certainly take stern action against the control room lords those who sit in political control rooms and guide or remote control the goons on the field. It will be an all-out action. There will be certainly very stern action because this violence is affecting the future of the new generation...We will make Bengal a safer place for the new generation to live in..."

The West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has landed at the Kolkata airport. He will visit South 24 Parganas later today to take stock of the situation. 

Ahead of West Bengal Panchayat election, Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "There will be a relentless fight against growing violence in Bengal. Those who commit violence in the field will be made to curse the day they are born. All authorities will come down with a heavy hand on the goons and lawbreakers..."

#WATCH | West Bengal Panchayat poll result 2023: Security deployed; visuals from Berhampore Girls College, Murshidabad. pic.twitter.com/JweuOBB09F

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2023

#WATCH | West Bengal Panchayat polls result 2023: Security deployed at counting centre. Visuals from Narayantala Ramkrishna Vidhya Mandir, South 24 Parganas. pic.twitter.com/gvj7Sj85eD

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2023

Days after clashes during West Bengal panchayat elections claimed 15 lives, the Congress Monday stressed there is no place for violence in democracy and said the Mamata Banerjee government did not stand with people promoting violence.

Repolling was held on Monday in 696 booths across 19 districts of West Bengal where voting for the July 8 panchayat elections was declared void amid allegations of ballot box tampering and violence. 

Whichever party is in power, if such things (violence) happen the question to be asked is whether they are standing with the culprits or against them. Had this happened with BJP in power, they would have stood with the culprits, claimed Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh.

"(Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee or her government has not said that they are standing with the culprits. They are talking about taking the strictest action against the culprits. We believe that there is no place for violence in a democracy," he told reporters.

"I think what we are seeing is that the Bengal government is not standing with the people promoting violence," Vallabh said when asked to comment on the West Bengal government's role after the violence in panchayat polls.

CPI(M) West Bengal secretary Mohd Salim on Monday alleged that both the central forces and the state police failed to perform their duties to protect voters during the July 8 panchayat elections.
He questioned why central forces were not deployed in all the polling booths despite orders of the Calcutta High Court. 

"Both the central forces and the state police did not perform their duty to protect voters," he said. 

BSF DIG S S Guleria had said on Saturday that despite efforts by the central forces to get the list of sensitive booths from the State Election Commission, it was not provided. 

Stating that TMC miscreants were also killed in poll violence, Salim alleged that it happened owing to its politics of giving indulgence to history sheeters. 

"Had the schemes brought by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee worked, there would not have been no need for the ruling party to engage goons to intimidate voters," he said.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the inspector general of BSF, the nodal officer appointed for the deployment of central forces for West Bengal panchayat polls, to file a report on the violence that took place in various booths on July 8. 

The court also directed the state government to provide assistance to the relatives for the cremation of those who died in alleged poll violence and healthcare facilities for the injured. 

A division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam directed the IG, BSF, the nodal officer appointed for the deployment of central forces for the rural polls, to file a report on the violence which took place in various polling booths in the state during the elections on July 8.

The counting of votes for the West Bengal Panchayat polls will start at 8 am tomorrow. All counting centres will have a deployment of Central forces and CCTV cameras installed.

Barring minor incidents, the re-polling ordered by the state election commission in 696 booths in 19 districts of Bengal passed off peacefully with  69.85-per cent of all eligible voters casting their ballots till 5 pm, officials said.

Violence that left 15 people dead and allegations of vote tampering had marred the three tier panchayat elections held on Saturday, forcing the SEC headed by Rajiva Sinha to order a repoll in affected booths in all but three districts of Bengal.

The repolling started at 7 am amid tight security with at least four central forces personnel deployed in each booth, besides state police. 

Those who were in queues at 5 pm in voting booths were allowed to cast their ballot with election officers working over-time to ensure a smooth process.

Voting started late in a few booths as ballot boxes did not reach on time, officials said. These booths were also given extra time to complete the polling, they said. 

Counting of votes, including those cast in the re-polling, will be held on July 11.

Polling was held on Saturday in over 61,000 booths for the three-tier panchayat elections, with a voter turnout of 80.71 per cent. In several places, ballot boxes were looted, set on fire and thrown in ponds, leading to violence.

A total of 5.67 crore people living in the state's rural areas were eligible to decide the fate of 2.06 lakh candidates in 73,887 seats of the panchayat system.