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Attack on BJP candidate in the presence of police

Kolkata. Incidents of violence and attacks on candidates were reported during voting in 152 constituencies in the first phase of assembly elections in parts of West Bengal. The Election Commission has sought reports regarding the incidents in the affected areas. Clashes broke out between supporters of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress in Naoda area of ​​Murshidabad district in West Bengal, following which police and central forces resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

AJUP founder Humayun Kabir visited a polling booth amid tension in Shivnagar village, following which violence broke out. Trinamool supporters started protesting against this, raised slogans and surrounded Kabir’s vehicle and called him an agent of BJP.

The opposing groups threw stones and bricks which worsened the situation and created a law and order situation. Many vehicles were vandalized in the clashes. Kabir accused the ruling party of voter intimidation and electoral malpractices. He said that Trinamool Congress workers, along with the police, have been influencing the voters by giving threats and allurements since last night.

He said, elections should be conducted peacefully, but people are being intimidated outside the polling stations. The Election Commission should take strict action. Trinamool Congress rejected these allegations and party candidate Shahina Mumtaz Khan condemned the violence, calling it a very bad incident.

BJP candidate assaulted

Violence was also reported from Labhpur in Birbhum where a polling agent of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Debashish Ojha was allegedly attacked, leaving him with head injuries. The ruling Trinamool Congress denied the allegation. In Kumarganj of South Dinajpur, BJP alleged that its candidate Shubhendu Sarkar was attacked by Trinamool Congress supporters while going to the polling booth. The attack followed reports of unrest. Party leaders said he was later taken for medical aid and that the attack took place in the presence of police.

Action will be taken after watching the video footage

Officials said that people will be identified through video footage and action will be taken against them. Although officials are describing the voting in the state as peaceful, these incidents have highlighted the widespread tension across the state and tension remains in many areas. Security forces, including Central Armed Police personnel, have been deployed in large numbers at sensitive polling stations and quick reaction teams have reached the spot to prevent any clashes. Officials said the Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the district authorities regarding the incidents that took place in Murshidabad and other affected areas.

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