📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joydeep
Politics
West Bengal Bypolls See 79% Turnout in Nandigram, Rejinagar Amid Violence Claims
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 07 Oct 2026, 10:38 AM
👁 13
The recent West Bengal by‑elections recorded a 79% voter turnout in the Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies, even as opposition parties reported incidents of violence and intimidation.
The by‑elections for two West Bengal assembly seats were conducted earlier this week, drawing attention from state and national political observers. Both Nandigram and Rejinagar, located in the southern part of the state, saw a high level of voter participation, with the Election Commission reporting a turnout of roughly 79 percent in each constituency.
Election officials said the turnout figure reflects a robust engagement from the electorate despite the tense atmosphere that surrounded the polling process. The numbers are notably higher than the average turnout recorded in previous state elections, underscoring the importance voters attach to these vacant seats.
However, the peaceful conduct of the polls was marred by allegations of violence and intimidation. Representatives of rival parties claimed that their workers faced physical assaults, threats, and obstruction at several polling stations. Some reports also mentioned the use of loudspeakers and mob pressure to influence voter behavior.
The Election Commission acknowledged receiving a handful of complaints and said it had deployed additional security personnel to monitor the situation. It promised a swift investigation into any proven violations and assured that the final result would be declared only after verifying the integrity of the voting process.
As the counting phase approaches, both the ruling party and the opposition are closely watching the outcome, which could reshape the political dynamics in the region ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
Election officials said the turnout figure reflects a robust engagement from the electorate despite the tense atmosphere that surrounded the polling process. The numbers are notably higher than the average turnout recorded in previous state elections, underscoring the importance voters attach to these vacant seats.
However, the peaceful conduct of the polls was marred by allegations of violence and intimidation. Representatives of rival parties claimed that their workers faced physical assaults, threats, and obstruction at several polling stations. Some reports also mentioned the use of loudspeakers and mob pressure to influence voter behavior.
The Election Commission acknowledged receiving a handful of complaints and said it had deployed additional security personnel to monitor the situation. It promised a swift investigation into any proven violations and assured that the final result would be declared only after verifying the integrity of the voting process.
As the counting phase approaches, both the ruling party and the opposition are closely watching the outcome, which could reshape the political dynamics in the region ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.