Panihati, April 29 (IANS) As the second phase of elections is underway in West Bengal, tensions surfaced in Panihati where locals raised slogans of “Go back” against the mother of R.G. Kar rape and murder victim and BJP candidate Ratna Debnath, who had arrived to assess the polling situation.

Nearly 20 months after the rape and murder of a female doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital, the victim’s mother Ratna Debnath has entered the political arena seeking justice for her daughter. Contesting the Assembly elections on a BJP ticket, she said her decision is driven by the demand for accountability and justice.

Speaking to reporters about the “Go back” slogans raised against her, Ratna Debnath said, “Chasing them away won’t solve anything; they will come again. Strict action must be taken.”

She further alleged an incident of assault, stating, “I went inside and everything was fine. When I came out, I saw an elderly woman who had pain in her leg and could not stand properly. I felt bad and asked someone nearby to help her. Within 10 metres, Trinamool goons attacked me and told me they would not let me go out.”

Appealing to voters, Debnath said, “I urge all people to press button 3 on the EVM and cast their vote. I will win, Panihati will win, and the lotus will bloom across Bengal. I came from booth 70 where the machine was malfunctioning. Voting had just begun there, and officials said polling time may be extended by two hours.”

Voting is currently underway in the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, covering 142 constituencies across the politically significant southern region. Key districts include Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman—areas considered traditional strongholds of the Trinamool Congress.

Polling began at 7 A.M. and will continue till 6 P.M. Reports of sporadic violence, tension, and alleged EVM malfunctioning have emerged from several areas. Nearly 40 per cent of the 3.21 crore electorate had cast their votes till 11 A.M., according to early estimates.

–IANS

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