Tensions flared in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during the initial hours of the first phase of assembly elections on Thursday. Incidents included confrontations between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, along with claims of voter intimidation, prompting intervention by the Election Commission.
Kabir, who voted early and visited a polling station in Shibnagar village within the Naoda assembly segment, faced protests from Trinamool backers. They chanted slogans demanding he leave and accused him of being aligned with the BJP, leading to a standoff around his car and heightened anxiety near the voting site.
Kabir, previously a Trinamool legislator from Bharatpur in Murshidabad, established his own party after his suspension in December last year over controversial remarks about building a mosque similar to the Babri structure. He is contesting for re-election.
The night before polling, crude bombs were reportedly detonated near Shivnagar Primary School in Naoda, resulting in injuries to a woman. Trinamool parliamentarian Abu Taher Khan accused Kabir’s party of orchestrating the incident.
A video captured a skirmish between Trinamool activists and Kabir in the area affected by the prior bomb attack.
Authorities deployed a mild baton charge to disperse the gathering, though they maintained that order was preserved. Assistant Superintendent of Police Majid Khan stated that the environment remained calm and no major disruptions occurred.
Kabir urged his followers to exercise restraint, emphasizing his desire for a peaceful electoral process where all could vote without fear or coercion.
A victim of the alleged bomb explosion attributed the act to Kabir’s supporters, recounting how two individuals threw an explosive near her while she was outside for evening prayers around 8 p.m.
In Raipur village under the Domkal assembly area, residents reported the presence of armed individuals since dawn, fostering an environment of apprehension.
In response, the Election Commission requested a detailed account from local officials regarding complaints that voters in Domkal were obstructed from participating.
The elections feature a fierce competition between the ruling Trinamool Congress, aiming for a fourth term, and the BJP, seeking to gain power following its previous performance. The next voting phase is scheduled for April 29, with results to be announced on May 4.
