'No one can vote except us,' Trinamool leader threatens voters

In a video that has gone viral, Trinamool Congress leader Modassar Hossain can be seen issuing threats to the voters ahead of the Bengal Assembly elections in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas.

Addressing the local media, Hossain said that he will make sure that no one from his area gets to vote for the opposition. "Except Trinamool workers and supporters, no one can cast their votes in our area," said Hossain.

Watch how @AITCofficial leader Modassar Hossain is openly saying on camera that noone other than TMC supporters shall be allowed to enter polling booth in his area ! If this is the situation on camera, one might well estimate what is the reality. @AmitShah @HMOIndia @ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/mwbzyizU9s

— Keya Ghosh (@keyakahe) February 21, 2021

Hossain further added, "The central forces will guard the booths, while our boys will play on the field."

Hossain is known to make inflammatory statements in public and intimidating local voters. Back in 2019, he had threatened that if voters, who had taken all the benefits of the TMC govt schemes, end up voting for the opposition then he would "show them no love." He had also said that no voting agents from the Opposition should be seen at the polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission of India on Monday formed a three-member committee to oversee the deployment of the central forces in the state.

Three companies of Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) will reach Kolkata as part of the central force deployment for the ensuing assembly elections.

The Kolkata Police will assist the central forces during their stay and have decided to accommodate the SSB personnel at its training institute in the Hastings area.

Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly are likely in April-May.

(With inputs from agencies)