Kolkata, April 29: The second phase of polling in West Bengal, covering 142 Assembly constituencies, was marred by incidents of violence, clashes, and technical disruptions, with multiple districts reporting tensions as voting progressed through the day.
The worst-affected areas emerged in South 24 Parganas, where confrontations between rival political party supporters disrupted polling at several locations. In Bhangar constituency’s Saihati area, tensions escalated when supporters of the All India Secular Front and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress clashed near a polling booth.
The situation intensified when Md Nawsad Siddique, the sitting legislator and AISF candidate, arrived at the booth and faced protests from Trinamool Congress workers. Sloganeering quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, with Siddique alleging that the ruling party deliberately attempted to disrupt an otherwise peaceful polling process. Central forces intervened promptly, separating the groups and restoring order.
Violence was also reported from Basanti in the same district, where BJP candidate Vikas Sardar was allegedly attacked by Trinamool Congress activists. His vehicle was vandalised near booth number 76, and there were claims that attempts were made to snatch the firearm of his personal security guard. The incident triggered tension in the area, with allegations that central forces present at the spot did not intervene in time.
In North 24 Parganas’ Sasan area, clashes erupted after Trinamool Congress workers were accused of intimidating voters. Local villagers and AISF supporters reportedly retaliated, leading to a confrontation that further heightened tensions.
Similar scenes played out in Hooghly district’s Khanakul constituency, where clashes broke out near booth number 147 in Ramchandrapur. AISF supporters alleged that Trinamool Congress had deployed agents using forged documents and prevented their authorised polling agents from entering booths. The arrival of the AISF candidate further escalated the situation, prompting security personnel to step in.
In neighbouring Howrah district, voting was disrupted at a polling station in Bali constituency after Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) reportedly malfunctioned. The situation turned volatile as agitated voters gathered at the Don Bosco Liluah Sohanlal Vidyalaya booth. Central forces resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to polling agents from both Congress and Trinamool Congress. Two individuals were arrested, and heavy police deployment was put in place to prevent further escalation.
Another incident in Nadia district’s Karimpur constituency raised concerns over poll neutrality, after a West Bengal police officer was allegedly seen urging voters to cast their votes in favour of the ruling party. The allegation sparked tension in the area, although no immediate official confirmation was available.
As reports of disturbances surfaced from multiple pockets, election authorities and security forces remained on high alert, attempting to ensure that polling continued despite disruptions. Central forces were deployed across sensitive booths to manage crowd control and prevent escalation of clashes.
The second phase is a crucial segment of the state’s electoral process, and the incidents have once again brought focus on poll related violence in West Bengal. While voting continued in most areas, the sporadic unrest highlighted persistent challenges in ensuring smooth and peaceful elections in politically sensitive regions.
Officials are expected to review the incidents and take necessary action, even as the state moves toward subsequent phases of polling.
