Clashes mar polling in Bengal, one incident in Siliguri, two in Murshidabad

Clashes, violence, and disruptions marked Phase 1 polling in West Bengal, with incidents reported in Siliguri, Murshidabad, Keshpur, and Kumarganj, prompting security intervention and Election Commission scrutiny.

In Short

• TMC and AJUP supporters clashed violently in Nowda
• Woman died post-voting in Paschim Medinipur
• BJP candidate attacked by TMC supporters in South Dinajpur

Clashes and heightened tensions marked the first phase of polling in West Bengal on Thursday, with incidents reported from Siliguri and Murshidabad, alongside violence and disruption in other parts of the state.

In Siliguri, an argument broke out between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party outside a polling booth, disrupting voting. The incident took place at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith where polling was underway. As the confrontation escalated, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel intervened and dispersed the crowd to restore order. Visuals from the site showed tension during the polling process.

In Murshidabad’s Nowda, the situation turned volatile after the car of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chairman Humayun Kabir was allegedly attacked during a sit-in protest at a clash site involving TMC workers. Kabir had reached the area following a crude bomb incident reported late Wednesday night, ahead of polling.

Supporters of the TMC and AJUP clashed violently, using lathis, pelting stones and damaging vehicles parked along the road. Security forces quickly moved in to control the situation and disperse those involved. Heavy police deployment followed to prevent further escalation.

Kabir staged the protest alleging that police lathi-charged his supporters overnight and demanded the removal of the concerned officer. He also urged the Election Commission of India to act against TMC workers. “We want the Nowda police officer who lathi-charged my supporters overnight. This should not be done. The Election Commission should take action.A new officer should be posted there. Until then, I will keep sitting here in protest,” Kabir said.

An eyewitness to the crude bomb incident said it occurred between 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm and left a woman injured. “We are very scared; another incident could happen at any moment,” the witness added.

In Paschim Medinipur’s Keshpur, a 55-year-old woman, Ishratan Bibi, died shortly after casting her vote. She was a resident of the Digha area under the Keshpur Assembly constituency. According to her husband, Nawabjan Ali, only his wife’s name was present on the voter list while four other family members, including himself, were excluded. “I took her to vote. I left the booth and stood outside since I did not have a vote. My wife died after coming out after voting and getting into a Toto,” he said.

In South Dinajpur’s Kumarganj, BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar was allegedly beaten up by TMC supporters when he reached a polling booth accusing them of booth jamming. He was also seen chasing a person and alleging that his polling agent was not being allowed inside the booth.

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal monitored the ongoing polling process from the State control room, overseeing webcasting and media monitoring at the Integrated Command Control Centre at the CEO Office.

The Election Commission sought a report from district authorities on the Nowda tensions. Police said they used mild force to disperse sections of the crowd but denied that the situation went out of control.

West Bengal is witnessing a high-stakes electoral contest, with the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP aims to form the government after a strong performance in the previous election.

Polling is being held for 294 Assembly seats across two phases, with 1,478 candidates in the fray. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Elections 2026 | West Bengal Election | West Bengal Election Constituencies | West Bengal Election Schedule

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