ECI Demands Reports on Murshidabad Clashes and Voter Obstruction

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the Murshidabad district administration to submit detailed reports following two significant incidents during the first phase of polling on Thursday morning. The commission is investigating allegations of voter intimidation and a physical confrontation involving a prominent political leader.

Voter Suppression Allegations in Domkal

The ECI’s intervention follows reports that Left Front supporters were prevented from reaching polling booths in the Domkal area. Clashes between CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers reportedly began late Wednesday night and intensified Thursday morning.

Residents in the Raipur locality alleged that Central forces initially remained inactive while TMC activists blocked their path to the polls. SDPO Shubham Bajaj visited booth number 217 to address these grievances directly. Following the arrival of reinforcements, security forces used handheld microphones to reassure the public, eventually escorting Left supporters to cast their ballots under heavy guard.

Clash with Humayun Kabir in Naoda

In a separate incident in Naoda, a violent scuffle broke out between TMC workers and Humayun Kabir, chairperson of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and a former Trinamool leader.

The confrontation began with a heated argument over alleged voter intimidation and quickly escalated into a physical altercation. While Central forces prevented a full-scale riot, TMC workers staged a protest demanding Kabir leave the area. In response, Kabir launched a dharna (sit-in protest), refusing to move until police took action against the “miscreants.”

Security and Election Timeline

These incidents occurred despite the deployment of 2,407 companies of Central forces—unprecedented security cover intended to ensure a free and fair election across the 152 constituencies voting in this phase.

West Bengal will conclude its electoral process with the second phase on April 29, covering the remaining 142 constituencies. The final results will be declared on May 4.