With just 22 days left for voting, West Bengal continues to witness unrest across several districts. Incidents involving clashes over Form 6 submissions, attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and alleged attempts to target Hindu sentiments have fuelled tension on the ground. In Kolkata, heavy chaos is expected once again outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer as today (April 1) marks the final day for submitting Form 6 applications. Officials fear strong mobilisation by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers who created disorder at the same location yesterday.
On Tuesday (March 31), dramatic scenes unfolded outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office after supporters of the TMC and the BJP engaged in violent clashes. The confrontation left the atmosphere charged as both sides accused each other of provoking the situation.
What triggered the chaos?
According to eyewitness accounts, a man from Medinipur arrived at the EC office carrying a bag. TMC workers suspected the bag contained filled Form 6 applications, allegedly meant to remove names of TMC supporters from the voter list. The group stopped him, forcibly restrained him and even tore his clothes.
However, the BJP dismissed these claims, stating the person had "no connection with the party" and was simply a common citizen who had come for personal work. BJP workers, accusing TMC of hooliganism, staged a sit-in protest outside the CEO office. TMC supporters also responded with their own protest alleging foul play linked to Form 6.
What is Form 6?
It is to be noted here that Form 6 is used when a voter's name is missing from the electoral roll or when they have shifted to a new location. Issued by the Election Commission of India, it allows new voters to be added to the list or enables existing voters to transfer their voting address.
Why TMC claims Form 6 is being misused
The controversy intensified after TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the Election Commission and the BJP of attempting "voter theft" through widespread misuse of Form 6. He alleged that thousands of such applications have been filed without any link to genuine state voters. Banerjee also released a video on the matter and demanded a formal explanation from the poll body.
EC clarifies its position
The Chief Electoral Officer has reiterated that their office does not possess any software that alters voter details on its own. Officials said Form 6 is strictly for adding first-time voters to the electoral list or transferring voters from one constituency to another. The EC stated it follows a transparent verification process before approving or rejecting any application.
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