Kolkata, 23 April (H.S.): The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 concluded on Thursday amid widespread reports of violence, clashes, attacks, vandalism, booth tensions, EVM glitches, and complaints against security forces across the state. Voting began at 7 AM in 152 constituencies across 16 districts, but several sensitive areas witnessed unrest from the early hours, raising questions over claims of peaceful polling.
One of the most serious incidents was reported from Kumarganj in Dakshin Dinajpur district, where a BJP candidate alleged that he was attacked by supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress. According to him, the हमला took place while he was visiting polling booths. He claimed that his polling agents were driven out of booths, and when he reached Booth No. 24, he was surrounded and assaulted. A video of the incident reportedly showed a mob attacking him while security personnel tried to shield him.
In Birbhum district’s Labhpur constituency, a BJP polling agent, identified as Biswajit Mondal, was seriously injured in an alleged attack, sustaining a head injury. Tension also flared in Khoyrasol (Dubrajpur constituency) during the final phase of polling after an EVM malfunction halted voting for nearly half an hour. Angry voters confronted central forces, leading to heated arguments. The situation escalated into stone-pelting, damage to a police vehicle, and injuries to security personnel. Police had to take strict action to restore order.
Murshidabad district witnessed multiple flashpoints, particularly in Nowda, where supporters of Humayun Kabir’s party and the All India Trinamool Congress clashed. Allegations included attacks on Kabir’s convoy, vandalism of vehicles, and attempts to block his movement. Central forces later intervened to control the situation, and reports said three people were detained. In Jalangi, voting was disrupted for a long time at Booth No. 101 in Mahishmari due to EVM malfunction, leading to long queues of voters.
From Paschim Medinipur, several complaints surfaced. In Narayangarh, the Trinamool Congress alleged that central forces entered a party office and assaulted workers, leaving three injured. In Sabang, another party worker was allegedly beaten without provocation. Candidate Manas Bhunia claimed the individual was stopped and attacked while on the way to vote.
A tragic incident was reported from Keshpur in the same district, where an elderly woman fell ill after casting her vote at Booth No. 225 in Sarishakhola and later died despite receiving medical assistance. The incident cast a shadow of grief over the polling station.
In Cooch Behar’s Mathabhanga, the BJP alleged that a Trinamool candidate was sitting within 50 meters of a polling booth and influencing voters. Allegations of distributing money and offering inducements led to heated arguments, sloganeering, and confrontation between rival groups.
In Asansol South, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul alleged that her vehicle was attacked in the Hirapur area, with its rear windshield damaged. A complaint has been lodged with the police.
In Siliguri, a woman alleged that when she arrived to vote, she was told her vote had already been cast. She filed a complaint, while a BJP candidate demanded an investigation using surveillance footage.
Complaints also emerged from Haldia regarding the behavior of central forces, with allegations that security personnel acted harshly with voters, causing discomfort in some areas.
Despite these incidents throughout the day, the administration maintained that the overall polling process remained under control. However, reports of violence, attacks, EVM issues, and political confrontations across the state have cast a shadow over the first phase of voting. Opposition parties have questioned the fairness of the polls, while the ruling side dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. The Election Commission has sought detailed reports and assured strict action in all reported cases.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
