Minister Dilip Ghosh Claims TMC Members Fled During Falta By-Election

Kolkata, May 24: The counting of votes for the Falta assembly by-election in West Bengal is set to take place on Sunday. Minister Dilip Ghosh stated that the outcome of the Falta election is already known, asserting that there was no contest as members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had fled.

In a conversation with journalists, Ghosh highlighted that the central government had provided jobs to 51,000 individuals the previous day, with no complaints reported. He emphasized that similar transparency would be maintained in the ongoing electoral process.

Targeting the TMC following notices issued by the municipal corporation, he remarked that the party is temporary, and so are its offices. “If the party does not exist, what is the need for an office?” he questioned.

Regarding the arrest of a Kolkata councilor, Ghosh stated that there are thousands of councilors who are involved in criminal activities and deserve punishment. He assured that as evidence emerges, the police will take appropriate action, emphasizing that no one is above the law. He accused these individuals of leading the looting in Bengal.

On the rising prices of petrol and diesel, Ghosh noted that prices have significantly increased in other countries as well. He explained that the government had prevented oil companies from raising prices, resulting in substantial losses for them. Given the current circumstances, a slight increase in fuel prices is inevitable.

It is noteworthy that peaceful voting took place in Falta on May 21, with no reports of violence, tension, or electoral fraud from any of the 285 polling stations. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal reported an impressive voter turnout of 86.11% by 5 PM.

The re-voting in the Falta assembly constituency was conducted under tight security, with 35 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed across the area. This level of deployment is considered significant for a single assembly constituency.

Voting for the Falta assembly seat initially took place on April 29. Following widespread complaints of electoral fraud, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered re-voting throughout the constituency.