Mursidabad: Voting for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is underway on Thursday (April 23, 2026), with a strong turnout reported across several districts.
Despite the intense heat, voters have been lining up in large numbers at polling booths. However, the polling process has been marred by multiple incidents of violence and clashes in different parts of the state.
Clashes Reported Across Multiple Districts
Incidents of unrest have been reported from Asansol, Malda, Cooch Behar, Siliguri, and Murshidabad.
Reports suggest that in several places, candidates were surrounded, chased, and even assaulted.
Stone-pelting incidents were also reported, creating a tense atmosphere in many constituencies.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations Between Parties
In Kumarganj, South Dinajpur, BJP candidate Suvendu Sarkar was allegedly manhandled while heading toward a polling booth following reports of irregularities.
Sarkar claimed he was attacked in the presence of the police and that his vehicle was vandalized.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC), however, denied the allegations and accused him of trying to incite unrest.
In Asansol South, stones were thrown at the car of BJP MLA and candidate Agnimitra Paul near Rahmat Nagar, damaging the rear windshield.
She alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to influence the election and confirmed that a complaint has been filed.
Police stated that an investigation is underway and security has been tightened.
Tensions Escalate in Murshidabad and Birbhum
Clashes were also reported in Naoda, Murshidabad, between supporters of the All India United Party (AJUP) and TMC.
The situation escalated to stone-pelting and vandalism, prompting central forces to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
Earlier in the day, AJUP chief Humayun Kabir faced protests when he visited a polling booth.
In Labhpur, Birbhum, a polling agent of BJP candidate Debashish Ojha was allegedly attacked, suffering head injuries.
Similar allegations emerged from Chanchal in Malda, where a BJP polling agent was reportedly beaten and his clothes were torn.
Security Forces Deployed to Control Situation
In Murarai, clashes between Congress and TMC workers left at least two people injured. Meanwhile, in Domkal, Murshidabad, locals alleged that they were being prevented from reaching polling booths.
The Election Commission (EC) later deployed additional security personnel to escort voters safely to polling stations.
In Cooch Behar, central forces intervened after alleged road blockades near polling booths by TMC workers, ensuring voters could move freely.
In Mathabhanga, heated arguments broke out between BJP and TMC leaders over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Situation Brought Under Control in Several Areas
Minor tensions were also reported from Moyna in East Midnapore, where slogan-shouting by rival party supporters created panic among voters.
Central forces intervened promptly, bringing the situation under control.
While the overall voter turnout remains high, these incidents highlight ongoing concerns about law and order during elections.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure a free and fair polling process across the state.