Voters in Bhangar, located in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, experienced a markedly different atmosphere during the Assembly elections on Wednesday, thanks to an unprecedented deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Tanjila Bibi, who lost her husband Hassan Mollah during violent panchayat polls in July 2023, emphasized the importance of security, stating that such measures could have saved her husband. The Indian Secular Front (ISF), led by Naushad Siddiqui, aims to build on its previous successes against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has faced criticism for past violence. Voter turnout was strong, with many expressing relief at the peaceful conditions, contrasting sharply with the fear and violence that characterized earlier polls. Reports indicated that polling remained largely peaceful, with only minor incidents, allowing residents to vote freely for the first time in years. The outcome of this election could significantly impact the political landscape in the region, as both ISF and TMC candidates expressed optimism about their chances.