The Election Commission today ordered the suspension of polls at polling station number 126 in West Bengal’s Sitalkuchi Assembly constituency in Cooch Behar district amid reports of violence.
The decision comes off the poll panel comes after four people were shot and killed in a clash with security forces outside a polling booth.
A spokesperson of the Election Commission said the decision was based on an interim report filed by special observers. Detailed reports have been sought from them and the state Chief Electoral Officer by 5 pm this evening.
The violence that erupted in the fourth phase of state elections has triggered a blame game between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
The incident took place in the Sitalkuchi area when voting was going on, a senior district said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths at a rally in Bengal. He also criticised Mamata Banerjee and her party soon after the incident. “What happened in Cooch Behar is sad… I offer condolences to bereaved families. Mamata Didi and her goons are jittery because of a groundswell of support for the BJP.”
