Violence mars Bengal Phase 1 polling; 41% turnout by 11 am as clashes, bomb attack reported

Sporadic violence, including a crude bomb attack in Murshidabad and clashes between rival party workers, marked Phase 1 of the West Bengal Assembly elections even as voter turnout crossed 41% by late morning

Kolkata: Voting in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Thursday was overshadowed by incidents of violence, including a crude bomb attack in Murshidabad’s Nowda and clashes between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) workers, even as polling continued across 152 constituencies.

According to the Election Commission of India, voter turnout stood at 41.11% till 11 am, indicating brisk participation despite disruptions in several pockets.

Tensions escalated in Nowda after unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs, injuring several people. The situation worsened when AJUP leader Humayun Kabir visited the site, triggering a scuffle with TMC workers. Visuals later showed Kabir and rival party workers engaged in physical confrontation, while security forces intervened to control the situation. Police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

Fresh videos also surfaced showing stone pelting between TMC and AJUP workers, underscoring the tense atmosphere in parts of Murshidabad district.

Kabir alleged that TMC supporters attempted to intimidate voters and accused the ruling party of bribing his candidates to withdraw from the contest—claims that remained unanswered by the TMC.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee maintained silence through the morning despite reports of violence.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also mounted sharp attacks on the ruling party. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who cast his vote earlier in the day, alleged threats to voters and asserted that those attempting to disrupt law and order would be dealt with firmly. He also claimed that voters, particularly women, were determined to “teach a lesson” to the ruling dispensation.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged women and young voters to participate in large numbers. Later, he praised the Election Commission, calling it the “first election in 50 years” in Bengal with “minimum violence,” and credited authorities for maintaining democratic order.

Apart from Murshidabad, sporadic incidents were reported from other districts, including allegations of road blockades by TMC workers in Cooch Behar and verbal clashes between party workers in Siliguri.

EVM glitches were also reported from a few polling stations, briefly disrupting voting.

District-wise data showed Paschim Medinipur recording the highest turnout at 44.69%, followed by Jhargram (43.71%), Bankura (43.22%), and Purba Medinipur (42.16%).

Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. Over 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in this phase, which covers 152 constituencies across 16 districts. The remaining 142 seats will go to polls on April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The election is primarily a contest between the ruling TMC, seeking re-election, and the BJP, which is attempting to unseat it, while Congress and smaller regional players aim to retain influence in select pockets.

Despite heavy deployment of central forces and heightened security arrangements, the early hours of polling reflected the persistent challenge of ensuring violence-free elections in the state.