Just three days ago, a “welcome” announcement was made by the political parties including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that in view of the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in West Bengal, no “big” election rallies will be held in the poll-bound state. Just around noon today, a close crowd of a few hundreds was being addressed by the chief minister, who has earlier this week requested the Election Commission with “folded hands” to not conduct polls in phases anymore to avoid gathering of people.

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Addressing the crowd that seemed to ignore the COVID norms completely with no masks and no social distancing, Mamata Banerjee, said: “I am not a player, but I know how to play. I was the best player in the Lok Sabha earlier.”

“We cannot surrender our Bengal to two goons of Delhi,” said the chief minister, who herself was speaking with no mask on, while addressing the public meeting in Dakshin Dinajpur.

This comes as the sixth of the eight phased assembly elections is being held in Bengal today. Of the total 243 assembly seats, 43 constituencies across four districts are up for polls in this phase.

The state, which is among the worst-hit, has crossed the 10,000-mark, recording 10,748 fresh Covid-19 cases.

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The Election Commission has turned down the requests of the ruling party to club the remaining phases of polls. After today, polling will be held in two more phases on April 26 and 29. Votes will be counted on May 2.