The Trinamool Congress on Monday swept the civic elections in all four municipal corporations in West Bengal, The Indian Express reported.
Elections to Siliguri, Chandannagore, Bidhannagar and Asansol took place after delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Trinamool Congress won in 91 out of 106 wards in Asansol, 39 out of 41 wards in Bidhannagar, 31 out of 32 wards in Chandannagore, and 37 out of 47 wards in Siliguri.
The Bharatiya Janata Party managed to win at five wards in Siliguri and seven wards in Asansol. The Left Front won at two wards in Asansol, one in Chandannagore and four in Siliguri, according to the Election Commission.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the results an overwhelming victory for “Ma, Mati and Manush” [mothers, the earth and the common people].
“My heartiest congratulations to the people of Asansol, Bidhannagar, Siliguri & Chandannagore for having put their faith and confidence in All India Trinamool Congress candidates in the Municipal Corporation elections,” Banerjee said. “We are committed to carry forward our development work further with greater zeal and enthusiasm.”
Banerjee also announced that state minister Gautam Deb will be the mayor of Siliguri as he is the senior-most leader there. “In other civic boards, a discussion will be held on who will become the mayor,” she said, according to The Indian Express.
Visuals shared by ANI showed TMC workers celebrating in the North 24 Parganas district as the result of the Bidhannagar Municipal Election became clear.
Meanwhile, senior Left Front leader and former Siliguri Mayor Ashok Bhattacharjee had lost in the city civic polls, India Today reported.
The BJP on Sunday asked for re-elections in Bidhannagar and Asansol, alleging widespread rigging and violence, the Hindustan Times reported.
BJP state president wrote a letter to the West Bengal Election Commission alleging that the police did not take action when the rigging took place.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!