Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): The first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday was marked by incidents of violence, clashes, vandalism, attacks, tension at booths and complaints of malfunctioning voting machines from several districts. Voting began at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies in 16 districts, but tense conditions were reported from multiple sensitive areas since morning, raising questions over claims of peaceful polling.

The most serious incident was reported from Labhpur Assembly constituency in Birbhum district, where the Bharatiya Janata Party accused Trinamool Congress workers of attacking its polling agent in the Bhramarkol area. BJP worker Biswajit Mondal sustained a serious head injury in the alleged assault. Heavy tension prevailed in the area following the incident, prompting deployment of additional security forces.

In Naoda constituency of Murshidabad district, tension surfaced several times during the day as supporters of rival political parties came face to face. It was alleged that the convoy of a political leader was attacked, vehicles were vandalised and stones were hurled at the car of a polling agent. There were also claims that bamboo barricades were placed on roads to block the convoy. Central forces later intervened and brought the situation under control. The leader subsequently staged a sit-in protest on the road.

Tension was also reported from Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district. The BJP alleged that a Trinamool candidate was sitting within 50 metres of a polling booth and attempting to influence voters. Allegations of distributing money and extending inducements to voters were also made. The situation escalated into slogan-shouting and confrontation before police and central forces restored order.

In Narayangarh area of West Midnapore district, the Trinamool Congress levelled serious allegations against central security forces. Party leaders claimed that personnel entered a party office and pushed workers when they had gathered there for food shortly after polling began. Three persons were reportedly injured, though there was no official response from the security forces.

A tragic incident was also reported from Keshpur in the same district. An elderly woman who had come to vote at Booth No. 225 in Sarishakhola reportedly fell ill after casting her vote and later died despite receiving medical assistance.

In Jalangi constituency of Murshidabad district, complaints were received regarding malfunctioning of an EVM at Booth No. 101 in Mahishmari area. Polling was allegedly disrupted for a considerable time, leading to long queues and anger among voters. The machine was later repaired by a technical team.

At Booth No. 235 in Siliguri, a young woman alleged that when she arrived to vote, she was informed that her vote had already been cast. She later lodged a complaint, while a BJP candidate demanded an examination of surveillance footage.

In Haldia, complaints were also raised regarding the behaviour of central forces. A candidate alleged that some security personnel were behaving harshly with voters, causing discomfort among people. However, the administration maintained that polling was being conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh