DELHI, New
As elections for village council members took place in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, local media reported that the death toll from election-related violence had risen to 18.
Elections for the councils, or panchayats, have reportedly been marred by widespread violence, booth capturing, and vandalism in various districts across the state.
Ten members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) were reportedly killed, along with three members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), three members of the Congress, and two members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as reported by the ANI news agency.
These fatalities have been blamed on both the ruling and opposition parties.
President’s authority, or the suspension of a state administration and the imposition of direct authority by the federal government, has been called for in the state by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Seven people were killed in election-related violence in Indian villages.
Further, it has demanded new elections be held in certain jurisdictions.
On Saturday, approximately 57 million people cast ballots to fill the 73,887 seats up for election.
The tally is scheduled for the 11th of July.
Press Trust of India (PTI) reports that West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose met with injured victims of the violence across the district of North 24 Parganas.
Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha of Bengal state has said an investigation team will review allegations of vote fraud and violence.
After hearing from observers and returning officials, the decision to hold new elections would be made.
