All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and West Bengal state Minister Firhad Hakim, contesting from the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency, on Wednesday, 29 April alleged intimidation by unspecified individuals and questioned the heavy deployment of central forces during the second phase of polling in West Bengal. Hakim made the allegations while speaking to IANS, even as voting was underway across 142 constituencies in six districts of the state.

Hakim's Allegations of Intimidation

Speaking to IANS, Hakim alleged that individuals had visited his residence at night to threaten him. "They are coming into my house at night and threatening me. What are they trying to do? Intimidate me?" he said. He further alleged that voters casting ballots under fear would gravitate toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adding: "This politics of fear and intimidation — threatening to kill or beat people does not suit Bengal's culture. That is why the BJP will never be able to come here."

Questions Over Central Forces Deployment

Hakim also raised concerns about what he described as an unusually heavy presence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and senior officials in Kolkata. "I don't know what these people are trying to do. Are they declaring war in Bengal? There is such a heavy presence of CRPF and senior officials in a city where there has been no problem so far. Till date, there have been no incidents of brick pelting; bombs and bullets are a different matter," he said. The deployment of central forces during West Bengal elections has been a recurring flashpoint between the TMC-led state government and the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Hakim on Democratic Participation

Despite his allegations, Hakim emphasised the importance of peaceful and enthusiastic voter participation. "Polling centres are functioning properly. Every time we go to vote with our entire family, including our children, it is a special moment," he told IANS. He recalled the values instilled by his father: "My father taught me since childhood that this is the day of democracy. Voting is a sacred duty, and democracy is very important for our country. Casting a vote for anyone is ultimately a vote for the nation."

Election Commission's Zero Tolerance Stance

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal reiterated a strict "zero tolerance" policy towards any irregularities during polling, including allegations of EVM tampering. Agarwal stated that repolling would be conducted wherever necessary, signalling that authorities were closely monitoring the conduct of the second phase. This comes amid heightened scrutiny of the electoral process in a state where polling-day incidents have historically drawn national attention.

Phase 2 at a Glance

The second phase covers 142 constituencies across six districts of West Bengal, making it one of the most expansive single-day voting exercises of the current election cycle. The outcome in constituencies such as Kolkata Port — where a sitting minister is contesting — is being watched closely as a barometer of urban TMC support. All eyes will now turn to the post-polling period, as both the ECI and political parties assess ground-level reports from across the state.