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Politics
West Bengal bypolls see 80% turnout as rigging and intimidation allegations surface
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 07 Oct 2026, 07:01 AM
👁 15
Around 80% of voters cast their ballots in the West Bengal by‑elections, but the process has been marred by accusations of vote rigging and voter intimidation.
The recent by‑elections in West Bengal recorded an approximate 80% voter turnout, indicating strong public participation despite the mid‑term nature of the polls. Election officials reported that polling stations across the state opened on schedule and that ballot boxes were sealed in accordance with standard procedures.
However, several civil society groups and opposition representatives have raised concerns about irregularities. They allege that party workers engaged in intimidation of voters at certain booths and that instances of ballot‑paper tampering were observed. Reports of loudspeaker announcements urging supporters to vote for specific candidates have also been cited as potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
The State Election Commission has acknowledged the complaints and announced a review of the allegations. It has pledged to examine video footage from polling stations and to summon any officials found violating electoral norms. The commission emphasized that any proven misconduct could lead to counter‑manding of the results and legal action against the perpetrators.
However, several civil society groups and opposition representatives have raised concerns about irregularities. They allege that party workers engaged in intimidation of voters at certain booths and that instances of ballot‑paper tampering were observed. Reports of loudspeaker announcements urging supporters to vote for specific candidates have also been cited as potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
The State Election Commission has acknowledged the complaints and announced a review of the allegations. It has pledged to examine video footage from polling stations and to summon any officials found violating electoral norms. The commission emphasized that any proven misconduct could lead to counter‑manding of the results and legal action against the perpetrators.