RJD's Manoj Kumar Jha says, "Democracy without accountability" over pending voter cases in West Bengal polls

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Wednesday expressed hope for peaceful and fair polling in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, while raising concerns over pending voter-related cases and alleged delays in their resolution. He said that thousands of such cases were pending without a valid reason; accountability must be fixed, calling it a situation of "democracy without responsibility".

Speaking to ANI, Jha said, "We hope there will be peaceful and fair elections. Despite that, the role of those responsible for ensuring peaceful and fair elections has itself become highly suspicious. I'm also concerned about those people whose cases are still pending." "Out of them, decisions were made for just 1,000 yesterday; perhaps they will be able to vote. If, after the elections, it turns out that thousands of these were pending without reason, who will take responsibility for this? This has turned into a democracy without accountability," he further said.

West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 39.97 per cent until 11 am today, as polling for the 142 seats in the second phase of Assembly elections is underway. According to the Election Commission of India, Purba Bardhaman stood at the top, with a voting percentage of 44.50 per cent, followed by Hooghly, which has witnessed 43.12 per cent polling until 11 am.

Kolkata North and Kolkata South recorded a voter turnout of 38.39 per cent and 36.78 per cent, respectively. Nadia also recorded a sizeable turnout of 40.34 per cent. The main fight in West Bengal in the 2026 elections is between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP. Earlier in the day, West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari inspected the polling booths in the Bhabanipur constituency. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee cast his vote at the Mitra Institute polling booth in Bhabanipur.

The second phase of the polling is widely seen as the 'litmus test' for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), as voting moves into the party's traditional fortresses in South Bengal and Kolkata. The second phase covers 142 out of 294 seats in West Bengal. The total electorate is around 3.21 crore, with 1,64,35,627 men, 1,57,37,418 women and 792 transgender voters. (ANI)

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