Voting began Tuesday for byelections across five Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, along with one Lok Sabha seat in Assam, but the process was marred by controversy and high drama.
In West Bengal, Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir was arrested after a heated argument with police outside his party office in Rejinagar, Murshidabad district. Kabir, whose son Golam Nabi Azad is contesting from the seat, accused authorities of interference during polling. His detention sparked protests among party workers.
Meanwhile, the Bengal Congress alleged widespread irregularities in Nandigram, including EVM malfunctioning, booth capturing, and voter intimidation. Party leaders claimed the incidents violated the Election Commission’s assurances of free and fair polls.
In Tamil Nadu, violations of ECI rules were reported as polling agents of the TVK party displayed banners with the party’s symbol and portraits of Chief Minister Vijay near a booth in Dharapuram town, raising concerns about undue influence on voters.
The Election Commission has yet to issue a formal response, but the allegations highlight the tense atmosphere surrounding these crucial bypolls, where both regional and national parties are testing their electoral strength.
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