"Not been allowed to vote since 2011, confident that today we will cast our votes," says BJP's Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra

North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], June 1 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha candidate Rekha Patra from Basirhat has criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for their alleged hooliganism during elections and expressed confidence in being able to cast her vote this time.
Speaking with ANI, Patra said, "We have not been able to vote since 2011, but today I am confident that we will be able to cast our votes in the elections, with the blessings of God and Modiji. This is why we are heading to the booth to vote."
She further condemned the TMC for their violent actions, specifically in Sandeshkhali, where they allegedly prevented people from voting.
Addressing the issue of TMC's violent tactics in Sandeshkhali, Patra stated, "The agitation in Sandeshkhali was not just about voting; it was about our honour and respect. TMC members tried to seize Sandeshkhali people's lands and did not provide any schemes to them."
"They attempted to derail our movement, but they were unsuccessful because the citizens of Sandeshkhali are united. Not only in Sandeshkhali but also in Basirhat, all families are united. They all are our families. We stand with them, and I believe they will stand with us as well," said Patra.
While criticizing TMC's cadre for beating BJP women workers in Sandeshkhali, Patra said, "TMC's atrocities are not new, they have been doing it since 2011. We have tolerated this for a long time, and we can tolerate it for just one more day. The entire public of Basirhat will respond to them."
BJP has fielded Rekha Patra from the Basirhat constituency while TMC has fielded Haji Nurul Islam and CPI (M) has fielded Nirapada Sarkar.
The seventh and final phase of polling in the largest festival of democracy started on Saturday as voting started in the last 57 parliamentary constituencies at 7 am across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The seventh phase marks a grand finish to the world's largest polling marathon that began on the 19th of last month and has already covered six phases and 486 Lok Sabha seats.
According to the Election Commission of India, over 10.06 crore electors including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female and 3574 third gender electors are expected to exercise their franchise.
The ECI said that polling for 28 States/UTs and 486 parliamentary constituencies has been completed smoothly and peacefully. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (ANI)