News Brief
Lok Sabha Elections Phase One: Clashes Between BJP, TMC Workers Amid Polling In West Bengal - What We Know So Far
Nayan Dwivedi
Apr 19, 2024, 02:28 PM | Updated 02:28 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
In the first phase of West Bengal's Lok Sabha polls, clashes between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) disrupted the voting process for three out of the state's 42 seats.
Reports of violence emerged as soon as voting began, with incidents of confrontations between TMC and BJP supporters in Chandmari near Cooch Behar town.
Anant Barman, a local TMC functionary, was reportedly injured in a crude bomb attack at Bhetaguri.
The central forces eventually stepped in to stop the clashes.
In Sitalkuchi, TMC alleged that BJP workers are threatening the voters at the polling booth no. 286 at Chotosalbari which eventually led to violent clashes between TMC and BJP supporters.
The BJP has however denied the allegations.
It's noteworthy that Clashes during elections are not uncommon in Cooch Behar, where similar incidents occurred during the 2021 assembly elections.
In response to these incidents, the BJP has set up a helpline at its Kolkata office for complaints of poll violence, while TMC functionaries mentioned that the party’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was monitoring the voting from Kolkata.
Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting Begins For 102 Seats In 21 States And UTs
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.
