HIGHLIGHTS | Final phase of polling concludes in Assam, five more rounds of 'khela' left in Bengal
Online Desk
With sporadic violence on one side and smooth polling on the other, the third phase of Assembly elections in Bengal and Assam concluded with a polling percentage of around 80 per cent.
Over 79.19 lakh voters exercised their franchise in Assam in the state's final phase of polling.
Meanwhile, five more rounds of 'khela' (games) remain to be played in Bengal.
First-time voters and celebrities in Assam captured their joy with a picture and shared it across on social media platforms.
In neighbouring Bengal however, claims and counter-claims of violence including attacks on TMC's Sujata Mondal, Najmul Karim and BJP's Papia Adhikary marred the polling process.
While CM Mamata Banerjee alleged "blatant misuse" of central forces to "influence voters", PM Modi who campaigned across multiple locations stated that TMC had lost the confidence of its minority vote bank and was staring at what he called an 'impending defeat' for the party.
Residents of 31 constituencies in Bengal headed to the booths today to decide the electoral fate of 205 candidates, only 13 of whom are female. In Assam, 40 constituencies across 12 districts voted with 337 candidates in the fray.
TN reports 71.79 per cent voter turnout in 2021 State Assembly Elections
Final phase of polling concludes in Assam with 82.29% turnout; 77.68% in Bengal
TMC workers didn't let us cast our ballots, claim voters in Diamond Harbour
Derek O'Brien writes to CEC over sexual assault of minor by CRPF personnel
TMC's Derek O Brien wrote to Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal regarding 'gruesome sexual assault' on a minor girl by CRPF jawan in AC 198-Tarakeshwar, Hooghly.
Didi heaping abuses on me as she is frustrated over TMC's impending defeat: PM Modi
Maintaining that the TMC dispensation has institutionalised "ease of crime and ease of loot", the prime minister said that a BJP government, instead, will provide people "ease of living and business". (READ MORE)
PM Narendra Modi waves at crowd during an election campaign rally in support of BJP candidates at Dumujola Stadium in Howrah district, Tuesday, April 6, 2021. (Photo | PTI)
Assam, Bengal update
78.94 per cent polling recorded till 5 pm in Assam; Bengal sees voter turnout at 77.68 per cent till 6 pm
Inked! Assamese celebrities pose for a picture after casting their votes in final phase
Assamese actors Kapil Bora (L) and Prastuti Parashar (R) (Photos | ANI)
Assam Dy Speaker quizzed, five policemen suspended for firing on crowd during second phase of voting
At least three persons were injured in the firing by the bodyguards of Laskar on April 1 after clashes broke out between supporters of BJP and AIUDF inside a polling station in Sonai constituency. Police sources said Laskar was interrogated twice for several hours during the last 48 hours and his statements have been recorded in front of a magistrate. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Actress-turned-BJP candidate Papia Adhikary manhandled by alleged TMC supporters
Papia Adhikary had reportedly gone to a local hospital to visit to an injured BJP worker when alleged TMC supporters started assembling there and attacked her. "The attack took place as soon as I came out of the hospital. The TMC goons attacked me and others who were accompanying me. They were armed with sticks. I have never faced such a situation," Papia said, adding that she will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission.
Visuals from Bengal polling booth where volunteers, journalists allege being pushed out
Hoogly District Control room monitors polling as third phase of voting underway
Assam records 68.31 polling percentage till 3 pm; 68.04 per cent in Bengal
People being screened in queues before casting their votes during the 3rd phase of the state assembly election, in Howrah on Tuesday. (Photo | ANI)
BJP men forcibly occupying booths, attacking TMC candidates: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday claimed BJP activists were forcibly occupying polling booths and attacking TMC members, including party candidates, and asserted that she would not get bogged down by such "intimidatory tactics". (READ MORE HERE)
Ek selfie toh banti hai! First time voter captures her joy with a photo
A first-time voter takes a selfie with family after casting their votes at a polling station, during the third and final phase of Assam Assembly elections, in Guwahati on Tuesday. (Photo | ANI)
Polls conducted in favour of ruling party here: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on EVMS, VVPAT's found at TMC leader's house
Joining our live coverage now? Here's all you need to read to catch up!
All smiles: Himanta Biswa Sarma, wife and son cast their votes
Himanta Biswa Sarma with his wife Riniki Sarma Bhuyan and son Nandil Biswa Sarma shows fingers marked with indelible ink after casting votes at a polling station, during the third phase of Assam Assembly elections, at Amingaon in Kamrup district in Assam. (Photo | PTI)
Poll violence
The vehicle of a BJP candidate in Falta, South 24 Parganas, was attacked by alleged TMC supporters.
Polling underway peacefully in Assam, booths showcase different themes
Many polling centres were decorated with recyclable items, having art installations made with bottles, plastic wrappers, etc. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
BJP's Cooch Behar rally a 'flop show': TMC tweets video of turnout at PM Modi's campaign
Muslims have distanced themselves from TMC, you've lost your minority vote bank: PM Modi in Cooch Behar
Voting in the times of COVID
Voters in Assam pose before wall art dedicated to COVID warriors after casting their vote. (Photo | Express)
Bengal sees voter turnout of 53.89 per cent, Assam records 53.23 per cent till 1 pm
Sujata Mondal's personal security officer sustained major injuries, in critical state: Derek O'Brien writes to EC
A Bihu-themed polling station in 38 Goalpara West constituency
Bihu-themed Ambari model polling station under 38 Goalpara West constituency generates enthusiasm among voters.
Sporadic violence reported in third phase of West Bengal Assembly elections
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported on Tuesday in some areas where voting is underway in the third phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, even as the overall situation by and large remained peaceful with 34.71 per cent turnout recorded till 11 am, officials said.
Congress, allies hold edge in minority-heavy lower Assam
The Congress-led grand alliance appears to have an edge over the BJP-led ruling alliance in the 40 constituencies where the third and final phase of Assam elections will be held on Tuesday. These seats are spread across lower Assam.
In the 2016 elections in these seats, BJP and Congress had won 11 each. Bengali-speaking Muslims, considered to be the vote bank of Congress and the minority-based AIUDF, are large majorities in several of these seats.
TMC candidate for Arambag Sujata Khan chased by alleged BJP supporters
TMC candidate from Arambag complained of being manhandled and chased away by alleged BJP supporters
Forces help senior citizens in Assam reach polling centre
An 80-plus women voter is helped by the armed forces to cast her vote at Assam's Chaygaon assembly constituency.
ITBP jawans help a physically-challenged voter reach a polling booth in Hoogly rural district
Assam has recorded 2813 Model Code of Conduct violations since the announcement of polling dates
Uluberia EVM seizure: Howrah district election officer suspends three officials for gross violation of ECI guidelines
One SI, three home guard personnel suspended for failing in poll duty in Howrah district
Clash erupts between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters in Arambag
West Bengal sees voter turnout of 34.71 per cent, Assam records 33.18 per cent till 11 am
While Assam witnesses 33.18 per cent voter turnout in 40 assembly seats where polling is underway for last phase, West Bengal recorded 34.71 per cent of turnout in 31 seats till 11 am.
Expecting to win on 22 out of 40 seats in this phase of election: Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma casts his vote at Amingaon
Another TMC attempt in election rigging has been exposed: Prakash Javadekar on Uluberia EVM seizure
ITBP troops help senior citizens in remote areas of West Bengal to reach polling booths
Our workers were beaten, central forces telling people to vote for BJP: Arambagh TMC candidate Sujata Mondal
West Bengal polls: BJP worker's mother killed by TMC goons in Goghat, alleges Tathagata Roy
Assam sees voter turnout of 12.83 per cent, West Bengal records 14.62 per cent till 9 am
While Assam witnesses 12.83 per cent voter turnout in 40 assembly seats where polling is underway for last phase, West Bengal recorded 14.62 per cent of turnout in 31 seats till 9 am.
Trinamool Congress camp office allegedly ransacked by BJP supporters in South 24 Parganas
TMC goons not allowing people to cast their votes at booth no 180: Diamond Harbour BJP candidate
All allegations by BJP are false, South 24 Parganas voters are with Mamata Banerjee: TMC MLA Saokat Molla
Four model polling stations set up in Assam's Goalpara
Four model Polling Stations have been set up - one per constituency - each with a unique theme generating a lot of enthusiasm amongst our voters in Assam's Goalpara.