‘Is intimidation happening during or after voting?’ CEO Manoj Agarwal hears Nandigram residents’ concerns

Amid rising political tension ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal visited the sensitive constituency of Nandigram on Sunday to assess the ground situation. After holding a meeting with top administrative and police officials in East Midnapore on Saturday, Agarwal stepped out into the field to interact directly with residents and review the preparedness for peaceful polling.

During his visit, the Chief Electoral Officer toured several sensitive booths and spoke with local residents to understand their concerns. He asked whether voters were facing intimidation on the day of polling or even after casting their votes. While sharing her experience with him, a local woman broke down in tears, highlighting the anxiety among some residents regarding the election atmosphere. The Election Commission has repeatedly assured that the upcoming polls will be conducted in a peaceful and terror-free manner. However, sporadic incidents of unrest have been reported from different parts of the state since the announcement of the election schedule. Allegations of disruptions and incidents involving tribunal officials have further intensified political tensions.

Agarwal also held a meeting with representatives of different political parties to hear their grievances. The BJP alleged that outsiders were entering Nandigram to create fear among voters, while the Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of spreading terror in areas such as Mainar Bakcha. The Commission assured that all complaints would be examined and adequate security arrangements would be ensured in Bhagwanpur, Khejuri and surrounding areas.