"Rashbehari has been neglected under TMC rule": BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta as state votes in first phase

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 23 : BJP candidate from Rashbehari constituency Swapan Dasgupta on Thursday spoke about local issues and levelled criticism against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as voting took place in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
He referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to Kalighat Temple and said, "Home Minister Amit Shah is coming to Kalighat Temple, which is a very sacred place for all Hindus. It happens to be in the constituency I am fighting in, Rashbehari."
He expressed concern over development in the area under the current government, and he will show the condition to Amit Shah. Dasgupta said, "I hope that when he comes here, I will be able to also point out to him how much this area has been neglected after 15 years of TMC rule and what the upgradation, in terms of facilities, this area needs."
Referring to the poll atmosphere amid voting, he said the situation was largely stable but alleged targeting of his campaign materials.
Dasgupta said, "Atmosphere is very okay. I don't have too much to complain about, except the fact that there is a systematic bid to destroy all our posters by my opponent, TMC."
He also alleged incidents of voter intimidation, adding, "Apart from that, and a few incidents of threat to voters, there has been nothing untoward in this constituency."
Commenting on the Supreme Court's observations in connection with the I-PAC issue involving Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said democratic safeguards must be ensured. "Democracy must prevail. For democracy to prevail, those who threaten democracy must be put out of action."
He further added, "I hope the courts are mindful that there are people whose job has become one of threatening voters. I hope they are kept out of the arena."
Meanwhile, TMC candidate from Kharagpur, Pradeep Sarkar, cast his vote and made strong remarks targeting his BJP rival Dilip Ghosh.
Speaking about the contest, Sarkar said, "The media buzz is definitely there because Dilip Ghosh is standing, a person who is always in the news for his controversial remarks. He doesn't respect the law or women."
He further alleged campaign violations, saying, "Even yesterday, after the election campaign ended, he went out to campaign. No matter what he does, he might be a hero for the media, but he is a zero for the people of Kharagpur. That will be known today after the election."
Sarkar also raised concerns over the voting process in certain areas, alleging irregularities and obstruction of voters. He said, "But there's one concern: where the BJP expects fewer votes, especially in minority areas like wards three, four, and five, problems are arising."
He added, "There are issues with EVMs or BLOs. Some genuine voters with all their documents are being stopped, claiming they don't have the papers that the BLO was supposed to deliver a month ago. I've complained to the Sub-Divisional Officer."
Emphasising the need for fair polling, he said, "Our only aim is a fair and peaceful election where genuine voters can cast their votes without being stopped."
He further alleged, "I suspect that the BJP might create trouble in areas where they're expecting fewer votes by causing delays or other issues."
West Bengal is witnessing a two-phase election for its 294 Assembly seats. The first phase covers 152 constituencies, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29.
According to the Election Commission of India, a total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray in the first phase.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.