The initial phase of polling in West Bengal has seen claims from BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar that he was attacked by workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) at a voting booth in Kumarganj. Sarkar stated that he was injured and that his vehicle was vandalised during the confrontation that took place in his Assembly constituency.

Speaking to the media, Sarkar alleged that agents assigned to his party were forcibly removed from multiple polling stations. Upon visiting Booth No. 24 to inspect conditions at the site, he claimed that TMC workers subsequently assaulted him and his team. He expressed concern that Central forces who were allegedly stationed at the polling booth were not present during the incident.

Sarkar detailed that, “In the Kumarganj Assembly constituency, our polling agents in eight to ten polling stations were forcibly removed. I personally intervened and ensured they were allowed back inside. When I visited Booth No. 24 to inspect the situation on the ground, they launched an attack.” He further alleged that TMC workers were creating a climate of intimidation.

Response from the BJP Candidate

Frustration and disappointment were evident in Sarkar’s comments concerning the incident, as he accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of operating from a state of “fear and desperation”. He asserted, “Mamata Banerjee has lost the election, and Trinamool Congress are losing all four seats in this region. Out of sheer desperation and fear, they launched an attack on us.”

Sarkar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some BJP members regarding the involvement of TMC in the electoral process. The incidents of alleged violence have highlighted rising tensions during the election period in West Bengal.

Prior to Sarkar’s allegations, there was another violent incident involving TMC workers and supporters of Humayun Kabir, the founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP). The altercation broke out over a reported crude bomb incident, resulting in clashes that involved physical assaults and property damage.

Violence Between Political Parties

The confrontation involving Kabir’s supporters reportedly escalated into violence, with participants wielding sticks, throwing stones, and vandalising nearby vehicles. Security personnel were dispatched to manage the situation and restore order among the warring factions.

This confrontation followed a preceding incident where crude bombs were allegedly used against Kabir’s supporters late on the night before the polling phase. Kabir had organised a protest in the Nowda area following these events, claiming a police officer used excessive force against his supporters during the earlier altercations.

In light of these tensions, Kabir has called for the removal of the police officer involved and has urged the Election Commission to take action against TMC workers who participated in the violence. This series of events indicates rising political tensions in West Bengal as parties strive for dominance in the ongoing electoral process.

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