LS elections in Darjeeling Dist peaceful

UJJAL BHATACHARYYA, EOI, Siliguri, 17 Apr 2014: The first phase of Lok Sabha Elections in Bengal at seven Bidhan Sabha segments under Darjeeling District was conducted peacefully today amid heavy security. Elections for the Darjeeling LS seat was conducted across 1829 polling booths in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Kurseong, Matigara-Naxalbari (SC), Phasidewa (ST) and Chopra.

According to the Election Commission, 37 companies of armed forces and a huge contingent of state police were deployed across all the polling booths. Although the elections went on peacefully, there were reports of TMC supporters allegedly seizing 14 polling booths in Chopra.

In Kharibari, one person died and 20 other, including women, were injured when the pick-up van they were travelling on after casting their votes met with an accident. The injured were taken to primary health center in Kharibari and subsequently referred to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri for further treatment.

Siliguri Police Commissioner Jag Mohan said, “The elections were conducted peacefully at all the 238 polling stations within Siliguri. Seven company of CRPF and 1400 state police force were deployed here. The EVMs will be kept at a specially installed strong room in Siliguri College and will be guarded 24 hours by 2 companies of CRPF until the counting day on May 16.”

According to information from district election office, Darjeeling recorded 69.5% voting percentage, Kalimpong recorded 70.65%, Kurseong with 77%, Matigara-Naksalbari with 83.65, Siliguri with 80.9%, Phasidawa with 82.49% and Chopra 80.34% (figures until 5pm). Further, 17 EVMs had to be replaced before the elections could be conducted, while 7 machines were replaced during the elections due to technical problem.

All the 13 candidates sounded satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the elections. Reacting to the polling day today, BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia said, “The elections were conducted peacefully from hills to the plains, but I did receive reports of TMC supporters capturing 14 polling booths in Chopra. We will file a complaint to EC after we receive further information.”

Denying the allegations, TMC leader Krisha Chandra Pal said the BJP was trying to spread rumors as their defeat is sure in the elections. “The people have voted us to strengthen the TMC government and bring further development to the hills.  Wait until May 16 and everything will be clear,” he added.

Congress candidate Sujay Ghatak also sounded satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the elections, but said the party will follow the development in the Chopra incident. When asked about the mandate, Ghatak said, “People who had talked about getting 4-5 lakh votes can only dream about it. They will know the truth on May 16.”

CPIM candidate Saman Pathak while taking about today’s election said the public have voted with awareness about what is happening in the region and the results will prove their stand. He complained about TMC and BJP putting up flags and festoons within the 200 meter radius of few polling station in Chopra and Kalimpong. “We will meet the EC tomorrow and get the details on why it happened," Pathak informed.