Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 23: Violence cast a shadow over the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polling on Thursday after BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar was allegedly assaulted in Kumarganj, with the party accusing Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of orchestrating the attack.
According to BJP leaders, Sarkar was attacked while heading towards a polling booth following reports of disturbances in the area. The party alleged he was stopped, beaten and later shifted for medical treatment, claiming the assault took place in the presence of police personnel.
Taking serious note of the incident, the Election Commission of India directed immediate action and ordered the arrest of those seen in video footage linked to the attack.
The BJP also alleged that its polling agent was prevented from entering the booth by TMC workers, further heightening tensions in the constituency. The ruling TMC, however, denied the allegations.
Sporadic incidents of violence and clashes were reported from several parts of the state as polling progressed across 152 constituencies in Phase 1. Despite the disturbances, voter turnout crossed 41 per cent by 11 am, reflecting strong participation.
In Naoda, clashes erupted between supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the TMC, prompting police and central forces to resort to baton charge. The unrest reportedly followed protests during a visit by AJUP leader Humayun Kabir, with rival groups accused of pelting stones and vandalising vehicles.
Kabir accused the ruling party of intimidating voters, while TMC leaders rejected the charge and condemned the violence.
In a separate incident in Labhpur, a BJP polling agent was reportedly assaulted and suffered head injuries, though the TMC denied involvement.
While election officials described polling as largely peaceful overall, the incidents highlighted simmering tensions in several sensitive pockets. Security forces, including central armed personnel, remain deployed in vulnerable areas, and the Election Commission has sought detailed reports from affected districts.
With high political stakes and a keen contest between the BJP and TMC, the scattered violence once again underscored the volatile nature of elections in West Bengal.