Voter Turnout Debate: Pradhan Rebuts O’Brien's Claims

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly refuted claims made by Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien regarding the voter turnout in West Bengal's recent elections. O'Brien alleged that the turnout was lower compared to the last elections, but Pradhan dismissed this as 'selective arithmetic.'

According to Pradhan, the increased voter turnout percentage is a result of cleaning up the electoral roll by removing duplicate and questionable entries. He argued that this process ensures a more credible and accurate reflection of voter participation in the electoral process.

Pradhan further stated that the corrections to the voter rolls indicate West Bengal's electorate is opting for democratic participation instead of succumbing to political intimidation. The minister criticized the Trinamool Congress for appearing unsettled by these measures, suggesting that their reliance on inflated voter lists for political survival is now exposed.

(With inputs from agencies.)