Late bed-tea, Sen on why she wasn't aware of Asansol-violence
What's the story
As violence mired polling in West Bengal's Asansol on Monday, Trinamool candidate Moon Moon Sen said she didn't know about it as she got her bed-tea "late". The actor-turned-politician is locking horns with BJP's Babul Supriyo in the closely-watched seat. Clashes erupted in several booths as BJP demanded central forces, while Trinamool cadres suggested that voting shouldn't be stalled. Here's what went down.
What happened
Voters' demand of central forces led to clashes
It all started when voters lined up at Pandabeshwar assembly segment for polling. Seeing the absence of central forces, the voters got agitated. Meanwhile, in Jemua village of the area, the voters got into heated argument with state police personnel. The argument led to clashes. Reportedly, central forces were deployed at night but in the morning they were replaced with state police.
Violence
Meanwhile, Supriyo slammed Mamata Banerjee after violence
Other booths in the Lok Sabha seat also witnessed violent clashes. At booth number 199, central forces became the reason for another fight between Trinamool and BJP cadres. Supriyo's car was also vandalized outside this booth. The angry MP slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said it was a shame people weren't allowed to vote in a democratic country.
Twitter Post
Here's a video of the incident
#WATCH Clash between TMC workers and security personnel at polling booth number 199 in Asansol. A TMC polling agent said, 'no BJP polling agent was present at the booth.' BJP MP candidate from Asansol, Babul Supriyo's car was also vandalised outside the polling station. pic.twitter.com/goOmFRG96L
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019
Response
Really don't know: Sen gave cold answer
As Asansol's violence grabbed headlines, Sen remained unaffected. She told NDTV, "They gave me my bed tea late, so I woke up late. What can I say? I really don't know." When Sen was informed about Supriyo's allegations, she said she won't talk if his name is mentioned. Further, she added when communists were in power, violence was seen not just in Bengal, but all over India.
Action
Unlike Sen, Supriyo swung to action, visited booths
While Sen washed her hands off, Supriyo upped his ante. He visited several booths in Asansol to ensure "fair polls". "I will myself take the central forces to that polling station. It is very good that people in West Bengal are aware and they want central forces so that they can cast their vote," he said. Meanwhile, a BJP delegation will meet the Election Commission.
Twitter Post
BJP will discuss violence with top polling body
Delhi: BJP delegation including Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Vijay Goel Anil Baluni will meet Election Commission today over the issue of poll-related violence during polling in West Bengal. #LokSabhaElections2019
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019
Candidates
Supriyo and Sen both created history in 2014
In 2014, Supriyo sprung a surprise in Asansol by snatching the Left bastion. His electoral debut brought good news for BJP. Similarly, Sen also scripted history by defeating nine-time lawmaker Basudeb Acharia in Bakura. Her feat got her the name "giant-killer". By shifting Sen to Asansol, Trinamool showed Asansol's seat is a matter of prestige for it. The same goes for BJP as well.