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Tensions flared in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during the ongoing Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, with multiple incidents of violence, political clashes and allegations of proxy voting reported from several polling areas. The situation turned volatile as workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) clashed, raising fresh concerns over election-day security.
Paul alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to influence the election and said she has filed a complaint with the poll authorities. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway and added that security in the area has been increased to prevent further incidents.
The unrest has added to concerns over Bengal election violence, especially in sensitive districts like Murshidabad.
A BJP polling agent assault reported in Birbhum’s Labhpur amid Bengal poll tensions.
Kabir, who is contesting from the region, alleged large-scale political manipulation by the ruling party.
“Mamata Banerjee has purchased 27 of our candidates from various seats across Bengal at prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. I started with 142 candidates and am now down to contesting in 115 seats,” he claimed, according to PTI.
Sarkar was beaten up while he was going to a polling booth in the constituency after he came to know about chaos allegedly created by TMC supporters near the polling station.
The saffron party candidate was, however, attacked when he was walking to the school premises where the polling booth was set up, a BJP leader said.
“My daughter and I came to vote. I cast my vote, after which we were told that someone had already cast the vote in my daughter’s name,” her father, Gopal Das, said, as quoted by ANI.
The family claimed they were directed to contact election authorities, but did not receive immediate resolution, raising concerns about electoral transparency.
“This incident probably happened between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. A woman was injured. We are very scared; another incident could happen at any moment,” an eyewitness said, according to ANI.
One of the victims alleged targeted violence, claiming, “Two boys came and threw a bomb near my foot… workers of Humayun Kabir’s party have done this,” as quoted by ANI.
Inputs from agencies
Police probe attack on Agnimitra Paul’s car during polling
BJP candidate and incumbent MLA Agnimitra Paul’s vehicle was reportedly attacked with stones near Rahmat Nagar in her Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency on Thursday, police said. The rear windowpanes of her car were shattered after stones were hurled at it as she was leaving a polling booth area, as per PTI report.Paul alleged that the attack was a deliberate attempt to influence the election and said she has filed a complaint with the poll authorities. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway and added that security in the area has been increased to prevent further incidents.
Murshidabad violence: TMC-AUJP clash turns intense
According to reports, a clash broke out between TMC and AUJP workers in Murshidabad, during which stones were pelted and a vehicle belonging to an AUJP worker was vandalised. Police and central security forces rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.The unrest has added to concerns over Bengal election violence, especially in sensitive districts like Murshidabad.
A BJP polling agent assault reported in Birbhum’s Labhpur amid Bengal poll tensions.
Humayun Kabir faces protests, levels serious allegations
AUJP chief Humayun Kabir faced protests when he visited a polling booth in Naoda. TMC supporters surrounded his vehicle and raised “go back” slogans, accusing him of being a “BJP agent”, as per PTI.Kabir, who is contesting from the region, alleged large-scale political manipulation by the ruling party.
“Mamata Banerjee has purchased 27 of our candidates from various seats across Bengal at prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. I started with 142 candidates and am now down to contesting in 115 seats,” he claimed, according to PTI.
BJP claims its Kumarganj candidate manhandled by TMC supporters
The BJP alleged that its Kumarganj nominee Suvendu Sarkar was manhandled by Trinamool Congress supporters during polling in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections.Sarkar was beaten up while he was going to a polling booth in the constituency after he came to know about chaos allegedly created by TMC supporters near the polling station.
The saffron party candidate was, however, attacked when he was walking to the school premises where the polling booth was set up, a BJP leader said.
Proxy voting allegation raises poll integrity concerns
In a separate incident, a voter alleged that a vote had already been cast in her name before she reached the polling booth.“My daughter and I came to vote. I cast my vote, after which we were told that someone had already cast the vote in my daughter’s name,” her father, Gopal Das, said, as quoted by ANI.
The family claimed they were directed to contact election authorities, but did not receive immediate resolution, raising concerns about electoral transparency.
Clash erupts in Siliguri
A heated argument erupted between supporters of the TMC and BJP candidate Sankar Ghosh at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith, Booth No. 26/237, in Siliguri, adding to tensions during polling in the constituency.Crude bomb attack sparks fear among residents
The situation worsened after reports of a crude bomb attack in the district a day before polling. Eyewitnesses described a tense atmosphere, with residents fearing further violence.“This incident probably happened between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. A woman was injured. We are very scared; another incident could happen at any moment,” an eyewitness said, according to ANI.
One of the victims alleged targeted violence, claiming, “Two boys came and threw a bomb near my foot… workers of Humayun Kabir’s party have done this,” as quoted by ANI.
Bengal Elections: Central forces deployed, security tightened
Central forces were deployed in affected areas to manage the situation and prevent further escalation. Officials said security arrangements have been intensified across Murshidabad and other sensitive constituencies.West Bengal Elections 2026: Violence, voter turnout and political tension shape early phase
The situation in Murshidabad remains tense and volatile, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the Bengal Elections 2026, where intense political rivalry, allegations of voter manipulation and incidents of violence are shaping the ground narrative. With polling underway, authorities have heightened security and are closely monitoring developments to ensure free and fair voting, even as anxiety persists among voters amid reports of clashes and safety concerns.Inputs from agencies
