THE sweltering heat and repeated attempts of disruption by TMC goons couldn’t resist the brave people of West Bengal from taking part in the Assembly polls in their fight to restore democracy in the state. Nearly 81 per cent of the 40 lakh electorate turned out to exercise their democratic right in the first phase of the Assembly polls on April 4.  In the first phase, polling took place in 18 constituencies - nine in Purulia, three in Bankura and six in West Medinipur district. All these constituencies were part of the Maoist-affected western districts of West Bengal.

CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra said after the first phase of election that despite repeated attempts of looting votes by TMC-backed miscreants, people have braved to resist those by taking part in the democratic process. He said that the message of the first phase of polls is that TMC government is going to topple. Md. Salim said in a press conference after the polls that people had great expectations from the Election Commission to ensure free and fair election but the scenario was not befitting with such expectations in some parts, though the election was more or less peaceful. The state administration, along with a section of police under direction of the ruling party leaders, prevented the election process from being totally free and fair. But spontaneous participation of the people spoiled the conspiracy of the ruling party, Salim said.

Serious questions have been raised about the role of central forces during the first phase of elections. Root march of the central forces could hardly be seen on the day of election. Many members of the force were found shopping during the election time. In some booths, state police forces were found within the booths violating the election norm. Central forces could only be found in managing booths but their presence outside the booth areas to assist the voters could not be marked.

The TMC goons tried to capture some booths in Shalboni constituency in West Medinipur district. They unleashed attack on the CPI(M) candidate and didn’t even spared reporters present on the spot. The attack took place in front of the central force. Polling agents of the opposition parties were forcibly driven out in some booths. But the plan of capturing booths entirely was not possible because of the people’s participation.

People of Bengal are fighting this election to restore democracy in the state. For the last five years, TMC miscreants have not only taken away democratic rights but Bengal lagged behind in all sectors. People have experienced rampant corruption which was unprecedented for them. No attention was given to social security measures. Atrocities on women became regularity. Farmers and tea garden workers started committing suicide. Joblessness took epic proportion. Syndicate rule was another addition to suffocate lives of the people. People of Bengal badly wanted liberation from this suffocating rule. Left, democratic and secular forces felt this tyrannous TMC rule has to be ended. The rallies are becoming longer, the mood of the participants are becoming steadfast. The first phase of the Assembly polls in Bengal has reinforced that mood – people are heading towards a new dawn, establishing a people’s government.