BJP Candidate Claims Assault in Kumarganj
In Dakshin Dinajpur’s Kumarganj constituency, BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar reported that he was attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers while protesting against alleged booth jamming.
Speaking to the media, Sarkar mentioned that he incurred injuries and that his vehicle was damaged. He also alleged that BJP polling agents were “forcibly removed” from the booths but allowed back in following his intervention.
“When I went to a polling booth to assess the situation, they assaulted my team and me,” he stated, as reported by ANI. A video circulating on social media depicted him being pursued while security personnel intervened.
Shubhendu Sarkar, BJP candidate from Kumarganj in South Dinajpur, was attacked by locals. A security personnel can be seen ensuring the safety of the BJP leader as they flee the scene. pic.twitter.com/sKMuxemzjN
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) April 23, 2026
Party officials informed that Sarkar was subsequently taken for medical attention. Authorities indicated that actions might be taken against individuals identified through video recordings.
The TMC, however, claimed that Sarkar had attempted to incite unrest near the polling booth, prompting protests from locals, as reported by PTI.
Stones Hurled at Agnimitra Paul’s Vehicle in Asansol
In another incident, BJP leader and sitting MLA Agnimitra Paul stated her car was attacked near Rahmat Nagar in the Asansol Dakshin constituency.
“Stones were thrown at my moving vehicle as I left a polling booth. The rear window was shattered,” she disclosed to reporters, alleging an attempt to sway the election.
#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | BJP candidate from Asansol South Assembly constituency, Agnimitra Paul’s car vandalised in the Rahmatnagar area of Burnpur. pic.twitter.com/AEbc48G3OE
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026
Police confirmed the incident and stated an investigation is in progress. Security has been heightened in the vicinity.
Clashes in Birbhum Over EVM Malfunction Allegations
Tensions flared in the Kharisaol area of Birbhum district following allegations from voters about malfunctioning electronic voting machines (EVMs).
As per officials quoted by PTI, some voters contended that votes intended for the TMC were being counted for the BJP. Voting was interrupted for approximately 30 minutes due to protests occurring outside the booth.
#WATCH | West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026- Phase 1 | Individuals threw stones at the CRPF personnel deployed in Khairasol Ghumar village of Dubrajpur Assembly constituency in Birbhum district. pic.twitter.com/lh4YGg82pq
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026
The situation became violent when security forces intervened to break up the crowd. Stones were reportedly thrown at police and central forces, who responded with minimal force to restore order. Several personnel sustained injuries, and a police vehicle was damaged. Polling eventually resumed under tight security.
Naoda Confrontation Following AJUP Leader’s Visit
In Murshidabad’s Naoda, confrontations erupted between supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the TMC in Shibnagar village.
Tensions escalated after AJUP leader Humayun Kabir visited a polling booth, prompting protests from TMC supporters who surrounded his vehicle, labeling him a “BJP agent.”
As the situation deteriorated, rival factions reportedly threw stones and bricks, damaging several vehicles. Central forces resorted to a baton charge to disperse the crowd.
Kabir accused the ruling party of intimidating voters and electoral malpractice, claiming threats had been issued the night before. The TMC refuted the allegations, with its candidate Shahina Mumtaz Khan condemning the violence and describing it as a “really bad incident.”
Various Incidents Across Districts
Sporadic violence and unrest were reported from multiple other districts throughout the day:
In Labhpur, Birbhum, a BJP polling agent suffered head injuries in an alleged attack, causing unrest.
In Murarai, clashes between Congress and TMC members resulted in at least two injuries.
In Malda’s Chanchal, a BJP polling agent was reportedly assaulted at a booth.
Tensions were also noted in Domkal (Murshidabad), where locals claimed they were stopped from reaching polling stations. Security forces were assigned to guide voters.
In Moyna, Purba Medinipur, shouting slogans among rival party supporters created a panic before central forces intervened.
Exchange of Accusations and Complaints
Political factions exchanged accusations throughout the day. The BJP charged the ruling TMC with voter intimidation and electoral malpractice, while the TMC dismissed the claims, accusing the BJP of attempting to disturb peaceful polling.
According to PTI, approximately 450 complaints were lodged with the Election Commission by noon, alongside 375 complaints via the cVIGIL app. The poll panel has requested comprehensive reports from district authorities concerning incidents of violence.
Polling Concludes Under Heavy Security
Voting commenced at 7 am across 152 constituencies in 16 districts and wrapped up at 6 pm. Despite incidents of violence, officials indicated that the voting process was largely peaceful overall, with robust security measures implemented in sensitive areas and rapid response units deployed to manage flare-ups.
The second phase of polling is set for April 29, and vote counting will occur on May 4.
