Kolkata

Isolated incidents of violence and attacks on candidates disrupted polling in parts of West Bengal on Thursday during the first phase of Assembly elections across 152 constituencies, leading the Election Commission to call for reports from affected districts.

Despite the disturbances, voter participation remained strong, with more than 41 per cent turnout recorded till 11 am.

In Murshidabad district’s Naoda constituency, clashes erupted between supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Police and central security forces used batons to disperse crowds after tensions escalated.

The unrest in Shibnagar village reportedly began after AJUP founder Humayun Kabir visited a polling booth. TMC supporters protested his arrival, shouted slogans and surrounded his vehicle, accusing him of siding with the BJP.

Soon after, rival groups allegedly threw stones and bricks at each other, creating chaos in the area. Several vehicles were also damaged.

Kabir accused the TMC of threatening voters and trying to influence polling with the support of police personnel. He demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission to ensure fair voting.

TMC leaders denied the allegations. Party candidate Shahina Mumtaz Khan described the violence as unfortunate and condemned the incident.

In Birbhum district’s Labhpur constituency, a BJP polling agent working for candidate Debashis Ojha was allegedly attacked and suffered head injuries. The TMC rejected the accusation.

Another confrontation was reported in Dakshin Dinajpur’s Kumarganj seat, where BJP leaders claimed their candidate Suvendu Sarkar was assaulted by TMC workers while heading to a polling station after hearing reports of disturbances. He was later taken for treatment.

The BJP alleged the attack happened in the presence of police personnel. Authorities said action would be taken against those found responsible after reviewing video footage.

Officials maintained that polling was mostly peaceful overall, though tension was visible in several sensitive pockets. Large deployments of central armed forces and quick response teams were made to contain flare-ups.

The Election Commission has sought detailed reports from Murshidabad and other areas where clashes were reported.

The first phase covers crucial seats in north Bengal and parts of south Bengal, making it an important round in the contest between the ruling TMC and the BJP. Smaller parties such as AJUP are also trying to establish regional influence.

READ MORE: West Bengal Polls: In first phase, 152 seats outcome crucial for Mamata, BJP

Although turnout remained healthy, the sporadic clashes once again highlighted the intense political rivalry and recurring tensions that often accompany elections in the state.