Kolkata, April 29 (IANS) Amid the second phase of polling in West Bengal, state Minister and Trinamool Congress candidate from the Kolkata Port Assembly constituency, Firhad Hakim, on Wednesday, alleged intimidation and questioned the heavy deployment of central forces in the state.

Talking to IANS, Firhad Hakim said: “I don’t know what these people are trying to do. Are they declaring war in Bengal? There is such a heavy presence of CRPF and senior officials in a city where there has been no problem so far. Till date, there have been no incidents of brick pelting; bombs and bullets are a different matter.”

Alleging threats, he added: “They are coming into my house at night and threatening me. What are they trying to do? Intimidate me? Will people vote out of fear? Those who vote in fear will vote for the BJP. This politics of fear and intimidation—threatening to kill or beat people does not suit Bengal’s culture. That is why the BJP will never be able to come here.”

On the polling process, Hakim said that the situation at polling booths remained normal and highlighted the importance of democratic participation.

“Polling centres are functioning properly. Every time we go to vote with our entire family, including our children, it is a special moment. My father taught me since childhood that this is the day of democracy. Voting is a sacred duty, and democracy is very important for our country. Casting a vote for anyone is ultimately a vote for the nation,” he told IANS.

Meanwhile, polling is currently underway across 142 constituencies in six districts during the second phase of the key elections.

West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal reiterated a strict “zero tolerance” policy towards any irregularities during polling, including allegations of EVM tampering, and said repolling would be conducted wherever necessary.

–IANS

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