The high-stakes election in West Bengal, India, has begun amid controversy over a sweeping revision of the electoral rolls. According to BBC News, voting is underway in 152 of 294 seats across 16 districts in the first phase, with a second phase scheduled for next week. Nearly 68 million people are expected to vote.
Key Takeaways
The high-stakes election in West Bengal, India, has begun amid controversy over the removal of millions from voter rolls. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a fierce contest.
- Voting is underway in 152 seats across 16 districts, with a second phase scheduled for next week
- About nine million voters have been removed from the electoral roll, sparking concerns of manipulation
- The BJP denies allegations that it would restrict fish and meat consumption if elected
The election pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is seeking a fourth consecutive term in a state the BJP has never governed. The contest is unfolding amid controversy over the removal of about nine million voters from the electoral roll, roughly 12% of the state's electorate.
The revision process, known as Special Intensive Revision (SIR), has been mired in controversy and legal challenges. Officials claim millions were classified as absentee or deceased, while the status of another 2.7 million remains under review. Critics argue that the process disproportionately affects minorities and is an attempt to manipulate the electoral system in favor of the BJP.
In a bid to connect with Bengali voters, BJP candidates have been campaigning with live fish, aiming to reassure them that their dietary preferences would not be restricted if the BJP comes to power. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned voters that a BJP victory could lead to restrictions on fish and meat consumption. The BJP has denied these allegations, calling them a distraction from more pressing issues.
The election is seen as crucial for both the TMC and the BJP, with significant implications for India's political landscape. Security is a key focus, with a record deployment of about 240,000 central forces across West Bengal to prevent electoral violence and intimidation. The results will be declared on May 4.
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