Murshidabad, 10 September (H.S.): Political tensions have escalated in West Bengal's Rejinagar Assembly constituency following the announcement of a by-election, with a violent clash breaking out between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party on Thursday morning.

A TMC panchayat member was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon by a leader of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party. Three people from both sides were injured in the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment. Police have detained two persons in connection with the case.

According to police and local sources, the incident took place in Chhetiyani village under Dadpur Gram Panchayat in the Rejinagar police station area. TMC panchayat member Ajirul Sheikh was reportedly present with his supporters near local tea stalls on Thursday morning when Amin Sheikh, accompanied by his associates, allegedly arrived at the spot and attacked Ajirul with a sharp weapon.

The alleged attack was followed by a violent clash between supporters of the two sides, creating tension and chaos in the area. Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control. The three injured persons were subsequently shifted to hospital.

Police have detained two people for questioning over their alleged involvement in the incident. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the attack was politically motivated or the result of a personal dispute.

Notably, by-elections are scheduled to be held on October 6 in two Assembly constituencies in the state — Rejinagar and Nandigram. In the 2026 Assembly elections, Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, contested from both Nawda and Rejinagar and won both seats. However, as per electoral rules, he had to vacate one seat and subsequently resigned from Rejinagar.

The Rejinagar seat is now going to a by-election, and Humayun Kabir's son, Golam Nabi Azad, has already filed his nomination from the constituency. The alleged attack on a TMC leader and the violent clash between supporters of the two parties have further intensified the political atmosphere in the area ahead of the by-election.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey