West Bengal Phase 2 Polls: Violence Reported; Candidates Attacked

Kolkata (IANS): As voting progresses for 142 constituencies in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections, reports of clashes and political tension have surfaced across several districts. South 24 Parganas has emerged as the primary flashpoint, with multiple reports of intimidation and physical altercations.

Clashes in Bhangar and Basanti

Tensions flared in the Bhangar constituency when Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers protested against sitting legislator and AISF candidate Md Nawsad Siddique as he approached a polling booth in Saihati. Siddique alleged that TMC workers deliberately disrupted an otherwise peaceful morning. Central forces eventually intervened to separate the rival groups.

In Basanti, a mob allegedly comprising TMC activists attacked BJP candidate Vikas Sardar near booth number 76. The attackers vandalized Sardar’s vehicle and attempted to snatch the firearm of his personal security guard. Sardar claimed that central forces present at the scene failed to rescue him during the assault.

Disturbances in Hooghly and North 24 Parganas

• Khanakul (Hooghly): Clashes broke out between AISF and TMC supporters at booth number 147 in Ramchandrapur. AISF alleged that the ruling party forged polling agent forms and threatened their agents to prevent them from entering the booth.
• Sasan (North 24 Parganas): Villagers and AISF supporters retaliated against TMC activists who allegedly tried to intimidate voters in the area.

EVM Malfunctions and Police Conduct

In Howrah, voters grew agitated following EVM malfunctions at Liluah Sohanlal Vidyalaya in the Bali constituency. Central forces resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, injuring polling agents from both the Congress and TMC. Police arrested two individuals at the site.

Meanwhile, a controversy erupted in the Karimpur constituency of Nadia district. Witnesses spotted a West Bengal police officer allegedly requesting voters to cast their ballots in favor of the ruling party, prompting immediate protests from opposition groups.