Poll Violence In Bengal: Murder, Voter Intimidation Mar Lok Sabha Election As TMC, BJP, CPI-M Trade Blames

Poll Violence In Bengal: The polling began on eight Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal at 7 AM today amid tight security.

Lok Sabha Phase 4 Voting: The polling began on eight Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal at 7 AM today amid tight security.

Source : PTI

Poll Violence In Bengal: As the polling in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections got underway on Monday, reports of violence emerged from West Bengal. The polling began on eight Lok Sabha seats in the state at 7 AM today amid tight security. Following the start of voting, BJP MLA from Durgapur Paschim seat Lakshman Chandra Ghorui alleged that there were attempts of intimidation made by workers of the TMC. "I came here after our polling agent was stopped from entering the booth," Ghorui said, as quoted by ABP Ananda.

The claims made by the saffron camp were countered by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which termed them baseless claims. The party said that Ghorui is trying to influence voters, and the BJP is not getting polling agents to support it. Meanwhile, as far as security in the state is concerned, 578 companies of central forces and 148 QRTs have been deployed to ensure smooth voting and the safety of voters, as reported by news agency ANI.

Clash Breaks Out Between BJP, TMC Workers In Durgapur

Amid polling in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a clash broke out between BJP and TMC workers in Durgapur.

#WATCH Durgapur, West Bengal: A clash broke out between BJP and TMC workers in Durgapur.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/alSiQy6ldv

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024

TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar said, "Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, voters also protested... They are trying to bring polling agents from outside... People of the area are opposing them here."

#WATCH | TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar says, "Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, voters also protested... They are trying to bring polling agents from outside... People of the area are… pic.twitter.com/SreEHob7D7

— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024

Clashes In Bardhaman, Birbhum Districts 

According to ABP Ananda, two persons believed to be TMC workers were injured in an alleged faction clash in Galsi, Bardhaman district. The fight purportedly broke out after members of both factions sought to 'escort' voters to polling booths. However, TMC sources claimed that it was not a factional clash, rather, the fight broke out between two auto drivers who sought to take passengers to polling booths. 

As far as the incident in Birbhum’s Hasan is concerned, TMC and BJP workers clashed after the saffron party alleged that TMC workers assaulted polling agents. In response, the BJP also alleged that TMC workers led by local leader Ronnie Sheikh were intimidating voters.

TMC Worker Killed In Bomb Attack

On the eve of phase 4 polling in the Lok Sabha elections, a TMC worker was killed in a bomb attack in Ketugram in the East Burdwan district. According to ABP Ananda, the deceased was identified as Mintu Sheikh. He was attacked while he was returning from election work. Following the incident, the TMC claimed that the party worker was allegedly attacked by CPI (M)-backed miscreants. The CPI (M) claimed that he was killed due to a TMC factional clash.

According to the police,he was killed due to some old enmity, ABP Ananda reported. Police said that they received information when Mintu Sheikh Chechuri village, Ankhona GP under Ketugram Police Station, was travelling by bike. He was stopped by Angai Sheikh and a few others.

When Mintu tried to run, a bomb was thrown at him, which led to his death. The dead body of the deceased was removed, ABP Ananda reported, citing police. The accused are absconding from the area. Raids are being carried out, and at least two people have been arrested in the case so far.

A CPI (M) polling agent was assaulted in Narayanpur, Nadia (Tehatta subdivision). Hanan Sardar sustained an injury to his head. CPI-M alleges TMC's hand, while the party denied all claims.

In another incident in the state, a CPI (M) polling agent was assaulted in Narayanpur, Nadia (Tehatta subdivision). According to ABP Ananda, the victim was identified as Hanan Sardar, who sustained an injury to his head. The CPI-M has alleged TMC hand, while the party has refuted claims.