Bengal Phase 1: Violence Erupts in Murshidabad as TMC, AJUP Workers Clash

Clashes broke out in Murshidabad’s Naoda while BJP candidates were targeted in South Dinajpur and Asansol during the high-stakes first phase of West Bengal Elections 2026.

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 was marred by sporadic incidents of violence, vehicle vandalism, and heated political face-offs on Thursday. The most significant unrest was reported from the Naoda constituency in Murshidabad, where supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) engaged in a violent skirmish.

Clashes break out in Naoda

Tensions flared early Thursday morning in Shibnagar village when AJUP founder Humayun Kabir arrived at a polling booth. Local sources indicated that TMC supporters surrounded Kabir’s vehicle, raising "go back" slogans and labeling him a "BJP agent." The verbal spat quickly escalated into a full-scale clash.

Both groups allegedly pelted stones and bricks at each other, leaving several people injured. Roadside vehicles were damaged in the melee as the mob took to the streets with lathis. To prevent the situation from spiraling further, central forces and local police resorted to a baton charge to disperse the gathering.

Security forces restore order

Large contingents of security personnel were rushed to the sensitive pockets of Naoda to maintain the law-and-order situation. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer.

Humayun Kabir later staged a sit-in protest, demanding the immediate removal of a local police officer. He alleged that his supporters were targeted by police on the eve of the polls and accused the TMC of using state machinery to intimidate voters.

BJP candidates under attack

The violence was not restricted to Murshidabad. In South Dinajpur’s Kumarganj, BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar was allegedly chased and assaulted by a mob. Video footage showed Sarkar running for safety as his security guards struggled to hold back the attackers.

Similarly, in Asansol South, the vehicle of BJP MLA and candidate Agnimitra Paul was pelted with stones in the Rahmatnagar area. While Paul escaped unhurt, the rear window of her car was shattered. She has since filed an official complaint at the Hirapur police station.

Reports of polling interference

Beyond physical altercations, allegations of voter intimidation and polling interference surfaced in several districts. In Malda, a malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) led to a protest where locals surrounded an election officer, necessitating a rescue operation by security forces.

In Siliguri’s Jagdish Chandra Vidyapeeth, workers from the TMC and BJP entered into a heated argument outside a polling booth. Security personnel intervened to pacify both sides before the situation could turn violent.

High stakes for Bengal

This phase covers 152 of the 294 seats in the state, making it a critical juncture for both Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the challenger BJP. The ruling TMC is eyeing a fourth term, while the BJP is banking on a consolidated anti-incumbency wave.

The heavy deployment of central forces across sensitive booths has been a point of contention. While the administration claims the situation remains largely peaceful, the opposition has pointed to these incidents as proof of a compromised electoral environment.

What lies ahead next

The Election Commission has ordered the arrest of those identified in the viral assault videos. As the state moves toward the second and final phase of polling on April 29, security is expected to be further tightened in flashpoint districts like Murshidabad and South Dinajpur.

The results of this high-decibel contest will be declared on May 4. For now, all eyes remain on the remaining constituencies as the West Bengal Elections 2026 continue to dominate the Latest News Today and Trending News India cycles.