BJP candidate attacked in South Dinajpur as poll violence flares in Bengal
Poll-related violence surfaced again in West Bengal on Thursday, with a Bharatiya Janata Party candidateattacked during voting in South Dinajpur district.
Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Shuvendu Sarkar from Kumarganj was reportedly chased and manhandled by suspected Trinamool Congress workers. Visuals from the scene showed Sarkar running through a field with a security personnel, before being caught and allegedly assaulted. Security forces eventually intervened and escorted him to safety.
VIDEO | West Bengal election: BJP candidate from South Dinajpur manhandled allegedly by TMC workers even as a security person tries to protect him. #AssemblyPollsWithPTI #WestBengalPollsWithPTI
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/NeCAxYA08p
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026
BJP alleges intimidation, TMC yet to respond
Reacting to the incident, BJP leader Sankar Ghosh claimed the violence reflected the ruling party’s desperation amid fears of losing power.
“From the morning, we have seen such incidents… Trinamool understands it may be voted out, so they are creating disturbances,” he said.
Clashes reported across districts
Sporadic clashes were reported from multiple districts, including Murshidabad, Birbhum, and South Dinajpur, as supporters of rival parties confronted each other during polling.
Despite tensions, the Central Armed Police Forces and local police moved quickly to contain the situation and ensure that voting continued.
West Bengal recorded a strong turnout of nearly 78.77% by 3 pm, indicating high voter participation despite the unrest.
Vehicle vandalised, EC steps in
In another incident, a BJP polling agent’s vehicle was reportedly vandalised in Labpur. The Election Commission of India has taken note of the violence and directed authorities to identify and arrest those involved.
Fresh tensions in Murshidabad
Unrest was also reported in Murshidabad’s Nawada constituency, involving members of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party led by Humayun Kabir, a former Trinamool leader.
A confrontation broke out near a polling booth, with both sides accusing each other of creating disturbances. While Kabir denied the allegations, he accused Trinamool workers of hooliganism and said he would remain at the spot until peaceful voting was ensured.
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