What’s Happening in Kaliganj Assembly Bypolls? 10.83% Voting Amid Rain!
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As rain continues to pour, Kaliganj Assembly bypolls see only 10.83% voter turnout in the initial hours. Complaints of polling irregularities arise amidst tightening security as candidates cast their votes. What challenges will the electoral process face today? Stay tuned for the latest updates.
Key Takeaways
- Low voter turnout of 10.83% in the first two hours.
- Adverse weather conditions impacting accessibility to polling stations.
- Election officials taking action against irregularities reported.
- Strict measures against mobile phone usage in polling booths.
- Allegations of intimidation among political party agents.
Kolkata, June 19 (NationPress) In the face of persistent rainfall, voting is currently taking place for the bypolls in the Kaliganj Assembly constituency located in the Nadia district of West Bengal. The initial two hours have seen a voting percentage of 10.83%.
An official from the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office indicated that the low turnout is largely attributed to the adverse weather conditions, which have led many voters to delay their visit until the skies clear.
Several voters expressed dissatisfaction regarding the deteriorating conditions of the roads leading to some polling stations, which were already in poor shape. The rain has exacerbated these conditions, dissuading many from heading to the booths.
In response to reports of irregularities at specific booths during the first hour, election officials, along with personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), began implementing corrective measures.
Officials designated by the Election Commission of India were seen actively removing political posters and placards situated within a 100-meter radius of the polling booths.
This time, the commission has enforced strict regulations, prohibiting voters from entering polling booths with mobile phones. Voters carrying phones had to deposit them at designated counters, monitored by volunteers.
As per the latest updates, candidates from the three primary political factions—Trinamool Congress, BJP, and Left Front—have already cast their votes.
After voting, Congress candidate Kabil Uddin Shaikh noted that there were initial complaints about his polling agents being ejected from the polling station; however, these issues were swiftly addressed by officials from the ECI. “I hope that such security measures remain in place throughout the day to ensure a peaceful polling process,” he stated.
BJP candidate Ashish Ghosh mentioned that despite stringent security, his polling agents faced intimidation from Trinamool Congress activists.
In contrast, Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed dismissed these allegations, stating, “If the BJP lacks sufficient party workers to provide polling agents, that’s not our problem. We won't supply agents on their behalf.”
Kaliganj is one of five Assembly constituencies across four Indian states where bypolls are being conducted today.
The need for bypolls in the Kaliganj Assembly was triggered by the unexpected passing of its former Trinamool Congress legislator Nasiruddin Ahmed in February at the age of 70.
Vote counting is scheduled for June 23.
Point of View
The Kaliganj Assembly bypolls highlight the challenges of conducting elections under adverse weather conditions. The low voter turnout raises questions about accessibility and the integrity of the electoral process. As we continue to monitor the situation, it is crucial to ensure that all voices are heard and that the democratic process remains intact.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the voter turnout low in Kaliganj?
The low voter turnout of 10.83% is primarily due to continuous rainfall, which has deterred many voters from going to polling stations.
What issues are being reported during the polling?
Reports have surfaced regarding poor conditions of approach roads to polling stations and complaints of polling agents being intimidated.
When is the vote counting scheduled?
Vote counting for the Kaliganj Assembly bypolls is scheduled for June 23.
