Tensions escalated in Durgapur, West Bengal, as clashes broke out between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of polling for eight Lok Sabha seats in the constituency.
The confrontation, characterized by heated exchanges, unfolded amidst a charged atmosphere, reflecting the intense political rivalries prevailing in the region. TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar raised concerns over alleged attempts by BJP workers, accompanied by central forces, to influence voters since the early hours of the morning. Haldar expressed dismay, stating, “Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, and voters also protested… They are trying to bring polling agents from outside… People of the area are opposing them here.”
The clash underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, where political confrontations have frequently led to tensions and disruptions.
Meanwhile, polling commenced at 7 am for eight Lok Sabha seats in the state, including Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat (SC), Bardhaman Purba (SC), Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC), and Birbhum. Tight security arrangements were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, confirmed by an Election Commission official.
A substantial voter turnout, comprising 1.45 crore eligible voters, including 71.45 lakh women and 282 individuals belonging to the third gender, is anticipated across 15,507 polling stations dispersed throughout various districts in South Bengal. As polling progresses, authorities remain vigilant to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard the rights of voters.