Right during the first phase of polling (on Apri l11), West Bengal saw poll-related violence at many polling booths. Despite pleas of the opposition parties (BJP, Congress, Left) in the State, the Election Commission has not taken steps to beef up security.

The second phase, held on Thursday, witnessed violence, much like the first phase. As per the report of a national daily, the voter IDs of many voters were snatched away at some polling booths.

Moreover, at least two political activists belonging to the opposition camp (especially the BJP) have been hacked to death this month. The culprits are said to be affiliated to the ruling TMC.

On the one hand, the TMC is getting the support of Bangladeshi actors, one of whom campaigned for the party despite not possessing a valid Visa. On the other, poll-related violence continues to take a toll.