<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/governor-of-jammu-and-kashmir-satya-pal-malik-speaks-to-sudhir-chaudhary-173379">Satya Pal Malik</a> Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hurriyat-shouldnt-consider-me-an-alien-satya-pal-malik-190706">Malik said</a> the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life.</p>

<p>"Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said.</p>

<p>"The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here.</p>

<p>The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaTerrorAttack</a>&amp;subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes <a href="https://t.co/KEYl1K3Lnm">pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099576585861050368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place.</p>

<p>He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>"Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said.</p>

<p>After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale.</p>

<p>"Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said.</p>

<p>The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause.</p>

<p>The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low.</p>

<p>"The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said.</p>

<p>The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region.</p>

<p>However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes.</p>

<p>"Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said.</p>

<p>"On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said.</p>

<p>On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks.</p>

<p>"The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said.</p>

<p>The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident.</p>

<p>He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters. Malik said the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life. "Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said. "The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here. The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of #PulwamaTerrorAttack&subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2019 × In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place. He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said. "Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said. After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale. "Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said. The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause. The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low. "The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said. The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region. However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes. "Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said. "On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said. On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks. "The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said. The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident. He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.

J&K governor: Additional troops coming for Panchayat elections, do not believe in rumours

<p>The Trinamool Congress today accused the BJP of instigating unrest in West Bengal during the May 14 panchayat elections to create a situation favourable for imposing President's rule.</p>

<p>But the people of the state gave the BJP a befitting reply with their verdict in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress and its chief Mamata Banerjee, party's Secretary General Partha Chatterjee said.</p>

<p>Widespread violence during the single-phase panchayat polls had claimed at least 12 lives and left 43 injured.</p>

<p>"The BJP wanted to foment trouble during the panchayat polls in the state to create a situation favourable for imposing President's rule here. But it failed to achieve the target," Chatterjee, also a senior minister, said.</p>

<p>Almost 80 per cent of the seats in the three-tier panchayat system went to the Trinamool Congress, he said, adding that none of the BJP, the CPI(M) or the Congress had the power to create such a situation in the state.</p>

<p>Taking a dig at the CPI(M) and the Congress, he said both the opposition parties provided oxygen to the BJP in this election.</p>

<p>"The Congress handed over its flag to the BJP, while workers from both the CPI(M) and the Congress joined the saffron party. It is most unfortunate," he said.</p>

<p>"This election has exposed the BJP's understanding with the CPI(M) and the Congress. I feel pity for the two parties. They have been reduced to ordinary parties securing only third and fourth positions respectively," Chatterjee said.</p>

<p>He said the massive mandate had enhanced the TMC's responsibility and "peace has to be maintained to take forward the development process".</p>

<p>On the BJP faring comparatively better in Purulia and Jhargram districts, Chatterjee said, "We are examining the results of both the districts bordering Jharkhand."</p>


Widespread violence during the single-phase panchayat polls had claimed at least 12 lives and left 43 injured.

The Trinamool Congress today accused the BJP of instigating unrest in West Bengal during the May 14 panchayat elections to create a situation favourable for imposing President's rule. But the people of the state gave the BJP a befitting reply with their verdict in favour of the ruling Trinamool Congress and its chief Mamata Banerjee, party's Secretary General Partha Chatterjee said. Widespread violence during the single-phase panchayat polls had claimed at least 12 lives and left 43 injured. "The BJP wanted to foment trouble during the panchayat polls in the state to create a situation favourable for imposing President's rule here. But it failed to achieve the target," Chatterjee, also a senior minister, said. Almost 80 per cent of the seats in the three-tier panchayat system went to the Trinamool Congress, he said, adding that none of the BJP, the CPI(M) or the Congress had the power to create such a situation in the state. Taking a dig at the CPI(M) and the Congress, he said both the opposition parties provided oxygen to the BJP in this election. "The Congress handed over its flag to the BJP, while workers from both the CPI(M) and the Congress joined the saffron party. It is most unfortunate," he said. "This election has exposed the BJP's understanding with the CPI(M) and the Congress. I feel pity for the two parties. They have been reduced to ordinary parties securing only third and fourth positions respectively," Chatterjee said. He said the massive mandate had enhanced the TMC's responsibility and "peace has to be maintained to take forward the development process". On the BJP faring comparatively better in Purulia and Jhargram districts, Chatterjee said, "We are examining the results of both the districts bordering Jharkhand."

BJP sought to create situation fit for President rule in West Bengal: TMC

<p>Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Widespread violence was reported during panchayat polls in the state that left at least 12 people dead and 43 wounded. Voting turnout in the panchayat.</p>

<p>Voting, which began at 7 am, will end at 5 pm.</p>

<p>The booths, where re-polling is taking place, include 63 in Murshidabad, 52 in Coochbehar, 28 in West Midnapore and 10 in Hooghly among others.</p>

<p>The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday.</p>

<p>The poll panel has asked the state government and the police to make elaborate security arrangements so that polling can be held in a free and fair manner.</p>

<p>The counting of votes will be held on May 17.</p>

<p>The panchayat elections in West Bengal saw huge-scale clashes on Monday between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, resulting in the death of at least 12 people.</p>

<p>The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and other parties of the Left Front also staged a protest outside State Election Commission in Kolkata against the incidents of violence.</p>

<p>Taking note of the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs also sought a report from the state government regarding incidents of violence during Panchayat Election in the state.</p>

<p>The voting took place for 621 zilla parishads, over six thousand panchayat samitis, and nearly 31 thousand gram panchayats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday.

Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said. Widespread violence was reported during panchayat polls in the state that left at least 12 people dead and 43 wounded. Voting turnout in the panchayat. Voting, which began at 7 am, will end at 5 pm. The booths, where re-polling is taking place, include 63 in Murshidabad, 52 in Coochbehar, 28 in West Midnapore and 10 in Hooghly among others. The State Election Commission had ordered the re-poll, following complaints of violence during the polls on Monday. The poll panel has asked the state government and the police to make elaborate security arrangements so that polling can be held in a free and fair manner. The counting of votes will be held on May 17. The panchayat elections in West Bengal saw huge-scale clashes on Monday between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, resulting in the death of at least 12 people. The Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and other parties of the Left Front also staged a protest outside State Election Commission in Kolkata against the incidents of violence. Taking note of the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs also sought a report from the state government regarding incidents of violence during Panchayat Election in the state. The voting took place for 621 zilla parishads, over six thousand panchayat samitis, and nearly 31 thousand gram panchayats. (With inputs from ANI)

West Bengal panchayat elections: Repolling in 568 booths underway amid tight security

<p>Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections.</p>

<p>This adds to the long list of violent incidents that have erupted in the ongoing polls in the state, with at least 12 people have lost their lives so far.</p>

<p>Earlier today, incidents of bombing and attacks with sharp weapons surfaced in Murshidabad, resulting in two Trinamool Congress workers sustaining injuries. Following the incident, allegations were levelled against the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) for jointly attacking the TMC.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Unidentified miscreants escape with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua also brandish a gun. The person who shot the video claimed that he was later threatened by the miscreants <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/9t2wdUuGI9">pic.twitter.com/9t2wdUuGI9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996664132555325440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In Uttar Dinajpur district's Goalpokhar, the police officials baton-charged on people, exercising a crowd-control measure, as they were agitating following delay in the voting process.</p>

<p>Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Unidentified miscreants escape with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua, also brandish a gun. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/kPlE2MqWfN">pic.twitter.com/kPlE2MqWfN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996637437005893632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Repolling has been ordered in 10 booths in Hooghly, 28 booths in West Midnapore, 52 booths in Coochbehar, 63 booths in Murshidabad, 60 booths in Nadia, 59 booths in North 24 Parganas, 55 booths in Malda, 73 booths in Uttar Dinajpur, 26 in South 24 Parganas, among others.</p>


Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today.

Brandishing a gun, unidentified miscreants, on Wednesday, escaped with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua during the re-polling in the Panchayat elections. This adds to the long list of violent incidents that have erupted in the ongoing polls in the state, with at least 12 people have lost their lives so far. Earlier today, incidents of bombing and attacks with sharp weapons surfaced in Murshidabad, resulting in two Trinamool Congress workers sustaining injuries. Following the incident, allegations were levelled against the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) for jointly attacking the TMC. #WATCH: Unidentified miscreants escape with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua also brandish a gun. The person who shot the video claimed that he was later threatened by the miscreants #PanchayatElections #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/9t2wdUuGI9 — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × In Uttar Dinajpur district's Goalpokhar, the police officials baton-charged on people, exercising a crowd-control measure, as they were agitating following delay in the voting process. Following sporadic violence during the West Bengal panchayat elections on May 14, 568 booths in the state are undergoing repolling today. West Bengal: Unidentified miscreants escape with a ballot box from polling booth no. 76 in Malda's Ratua, also brandish a gun. #PanchayatElections pic.twitter.com/kPlE2MqWfN — ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2018 × Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the state government and police to ensure free and fair polling, a State Election Commission official said. Repolling has been ordered in 10 booths in Hooghly, 28 booths in West Midnapore, 52 booths in Coochbehar, 63 booths in Murshidabad, 60 booths in Nadia, 59 booths in North 24 Parganas, 55 booths in Malda, 73 booths in Uttar Dinajpur, 26 in South 24 Parganas, among others.

Watch: WB panchayat polls — Ballot box looted at gunpoint in Malda

<p>Massive violence has been reported from West Bengal, where panchayat elections are being held today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ANI reported that a TMC worker named Arif Gazi was shot dead in the Kultali area of South 24 Parganas district.</p>

<p>ANI added that a BJP candidate from Bilkanda was injured in a&nbsp;knife attack, allegedly by TMC workers. ANI identified the BJP candidate as Raju Biswas and said he is undergoing treatment at Panihati State General Hospital.</p>

<p>At least 20 people were injured in a crude bomb explosion in Amdanga's Sadhanpur in North 24 Parganas.</p>

<p>And five local journalists were injured in violence following booth capturing in Birpara, allegedly by TMC workers.</p>

<p>In another incident, a CPM worker and his wife were charred to death in North 24 Parganas after their house was allegedly burnt down on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission meanwhile reported a 56% voter turnout till 3 pm.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Overall 56% polling recorded till 3 pm in West Bengal <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995975141887651840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The elections are being held after a series of court cases and reports of foul play by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, a record 34 per cent seats has been won unopposed by the Trinamool Congress, but the Supreme Court stayed the notification of the results.</p>

<p>The court said elections have to be held "in absolute fairness".&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not surprised by all the incidents that are happening since morning. Bengal govt is a shameless govt, you cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behaviour. I demand President's Rule in WB: Babul Supriyo, Union Min on violence in various during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElEr4OSbaf">pic.twitter.com/ElEr4OSbaf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995927330366226433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are minor incidents taking place, no major incidents have been reported. Administration is active in places where such clashes have taken place. Voting is being conducted peaceful. I strongly condemn the attack on journalists: Partha Chatterjee, TMC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/SXwjExlQRH">pic.twitter.com/SXwjExlQRH</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995930017505820672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As many as 20 people were injured in fresh clashes which broke out between two groups here in Cooch Behar on Monday morning, amid the ongoing panchayat polls in the state.</p>

<p>As per a local, a number of individuals had gone to cast their vote at a polling station here, when they were attacked with sticks by a group of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. Subsequently, the injured were admitted to MJN Hospital for treatment.</p>

<p>"A group of us had gone to cast our vote at a polling booth. We were attacked by a group of TMC workers with lathis (sticks)," an injured local told ANI.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Sujit Kumar Das was slapped by West Bengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh at Cooch Behar`s booth no. 8/12 in the presence of police.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: On being identified, BJP supporter Sujit Kumar Das, was slapped by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh (in purple kurta) at Cooch Behar's booth no. 8/12 in presence of Police. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a> <a href="https://t.co/9S2gyAoNQt">pic.twitter.com/9S2gyAoNQt</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995884416554577920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Incidents of violence were also reported from Bhangar, where a media vehicle was torched and a camera broken, after which media was prohibited from entering the area.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Alleged TMC workers barring voters from entering Booth No. 14/79 in Birpara. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/S3OR83QfHp">pic.twitter.com/S3OR83QfHp</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995874967714590720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Furthermore, Bhangar locals blocked the roads, alleging that TMC workers were capturing the polling booth.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Road blocked by locals in Bhangar. They allege TMC workers of capturing the booth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElections</a>. <a href="https://t.co/4KyJ8WWXgR">pic.twitter.com/4KyJ8WWXgR</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995884423651381248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On the other hand, a TMC worker, Anarul Mita, suffered bullet injuries in an attack in Cooch Behar`s Dinhata on late Sunday night, after which he was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress was quick to respond to the allegations of violence by its workers. It blamed a section of the media for biased reporting:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Why is <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> spreading rumours and amplifying a few, sporadic, local incidents? We learn that local ANI reporters and stringers getting direct instructions from their bosses in Delhi to shame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengal</a>. Agenda driven news-gathering: Derek O'Brien <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PanchayatElection?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PanchayatElection</a></p>
— AITC (@AITCofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AITCofficial/status/995932119229644802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The victim has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers are behind the attack. On a related note, the voting, which began at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, will continue till 5 p.m. in 621 zilla parishads, 6157 panchayat samitis, and 31,827 gram panchayats. The counting will take place on May 17.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a joint operation, troops of CRPF's 193 Battalion & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jharkhand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jharkhand</a> Police recovered 482 gelatin sticks, 889 detonators, wires etc in Eats Singhbhum's Digri. <a href="https://t.co/zYCf4JprIz">pic.twitter.com/zYCf4JprIz</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995882377699250176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


News reports said at least four people had been killed and scores, including journalists, injured in violence

Massive violence has been reported from West Bengal, where panchayat elections are being held today. ANI reported that a TMC worker named Arif Gazi was shot dead in the Kultali area of South 24 Parganas district. ANI added that a BJP candidate from Bilkanda was injured in a knife attack, allegedly by TMC workers. ANI identified the BJP candidate as Raju Biswas and said he is undergoing treatment at Panihati State General Hospital. At least 20 people were injured in a crude bomb explosion in Amdanga's Sadhanpur in North 24 Parganas. And five local journalists were injured in violence following booth capturing in Birpara, allegedly by TMC workers. In another incident, a CPM worker and his wife were charred to death in North 24 Parganas after their house was allegedly burnt down on Sunday night. The Election Commission meanwhile reported a 56% voter turnout till 3 pm. Overall 56% polling recorded till 3 pm in West Bengal #PanchayatElection — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × The elections are being held after a series of court cases and reports of foul play by workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress. Earlier, a record 34 per cent seats has been won unopposed by the Trinamool Congress, but the Supreme Court stayed the notification of the results. The court said elections have to be held "in absolute fairness". Not surprised by all the incidents that are happening since morning. Bengal govt is a shameless govt, you cannot expect them to follow any kind of constitutional behaviour. I demand President's Rule in WB: Babul Supriyo, Union Min on violence in various during #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/ElEr4OSbaf — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × There are minor incidents taking place, no major incidents have been reported. Administration is active in places where such clashes have taken place. Voting is being conducted peaceful. I strongly condemn the attack on journalists: Partha Chatterjee, TMC #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/SXwjExlQRH — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × As many as 20 people were injured in fresh clashes which broke out between two groups here in Cooch Behar on Monday morning, amid the ongoing panchayat polls in the state. As per a local, a number of individuals had gone to cast their vote at a polling station here, when they were attacked with sticks by a group of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. Subsequently, the injured were admitted to MJN Hospital for treatment. "A group of us had gone to cast our vote at a polling booth. We were attacked by a group of TMC workers with lathis (sticks)," an injured local told ANI. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter Sujit Kumar Das was slapped by West Bengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh at Cooch Behar`s booth no. 8/12 in the presence of police. #WATCH: On being identified, BJP supporter Sujit Kumar Das, was slapped by #WestBengal Minister Rabindra Nath Ghosh (in purple kurta) at Cooch Behar's booth no. 8/12 in presence of Police. #PanchayatElection pic.twitter.com/9S2gyAoNQt — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Incidents of violence were also reported from Bhangar, where a media vehicle was torched and a camera broken, after which media was prohibited from entering the area. #WATCH: Alleged TMC workers barring voters from entering Booth No. 14/79 in Birpara. #WestBengal #PanchayatElections pic.twitter.com/S3OR83QfHp — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × Furthermore, Bhangar locals blocked the roads, alleging that TMC workers were capturing the polling booth. #WATCH: Road blocked by locals in Bhangar. They allege TMC workers of capturing the booth. #WestBengal #PanchayatElections. pic.twitter.com/4KyJ8WWXgR — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × On the other hand, a TMC worker, Anarul Mita, suffered bullet injuries in an attack in Cooch Behar`s Dinhata on late Sunday night, after which he was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition. The Trinamool Congress was quick to respond to the allegations of violence by its workers. It blamed a section of the media for biased reporting: Why is @ANI spreading rumours and amplifying a few, sporadic, local incidents? We learn that local ANI reporters and stringers getting direct instructions from their bosses in Delhi to shame #Bengal. Agenda driven news-gathering: Derek O'Brien #PanchayatElection — AITC (@AITCofficial) May 14, 2018 × The victim has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers are behind the attack. On a related note, the voting, which began at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, will continue till 5 p.m. in 621 zilla parishads, 6157 panchayat samitis, and 31,827 gram panchayats. The counting will take place on May 17. In a joint operation, troops of CRPF's 193 Battalion & #Jharkhand Police recovered 482 gelatin sticks, 889 detonators, wires etc in Eats Singhbhum's Digri. pic.twitter.com/zYCf4JprIz — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2018 × (With inputs from ANI)

West Bengal panchayat polls: 56% polling recorded amid massive violence

panchayat-elections

Panchayat Elections, News on Panchayat Elections, stories on Panchayat Elections, articles on Panchayat Elections, Panchayat Elections stories at Wion, Panchayat Elections news, Panchayat Elections latest news