Murshidabad Tense as Humayun Kabir Stages Sit-In After Clash

AJUP chief alleges police high-handedness during voting

Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir on Thursday staged a sit-in protest in Murshidabad’s Naoda area following a violent clash with Trinamool Congress workers, as West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 41.11 per cent till 11 am in the first phase of Assembly elections.

Clash Erupts During Morning Hours

Trouble broke out when Kabir arrived at the spot to assess the situation after a crude bomb was hurled late Wednesday night. Stones were pelted from both sides as TMC workers confronted the AJUP leader. Police and CRPF personnel rushed to control the enraged crowd.

Speaking to this portal, Kabir alleged that police were acting in a heavy-handed manner against his supporters. He claimed his party workers were being assaulted unnecessarily. The AJUP chief also asserted that clashes had broken out between BJP and TMC workers in Siliguri during polling.

EVM Glitches and Other Disturbances

Technical issues disrupted voting across multiple constituencies. Reports confirmed EVM malfunctions in Behrampore’s Kandi block, Malda’s Chanchal constituency, and Alipurduar’s Kalchini area. Each machine was replaced after brief delays.

In Uttar Dinajpur’s Chopra block, three women were allegedly assaulted by CRPF personnel. One woman reportedly sustained head injuries near Booth No. 163. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Suvendu Adhikari Raises Allegations

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari cast his vote around 8 am at Booth No. 70 in Nandigram. He alleged that a Booth Level Officer was using her mobile phone to influence voters in favour of TMC. Adhikari said he intervened and asked her to stop immediately.

The Leader of the Opposition also claimed that a murder accused was threatening voters in the region. He asserted his fight was against TMC “goons” and not any religious community. BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul echoed similar sentiments, calling the ruling party a “criminal and goon party”.

Voter Turnout and Peaceful Spots

Despite the trouble in Murshidabad, long queues formed peacefully in Birbhum, Asansol, and Medinipur. An 88-year-old voter, Kalyani Mahato, praised the improved polling arrangements this year. Elderly and differently-abled voters turned out in large numbers across most districts.

By 9 am, Bengal had recorded 18.76 per cent voting. Tamil Nadu saw 37.56 per cent turnout by 11 am for its single-phase polling. High alert was declared in Bihar’s Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar districts along the Bengal border due to cross-border voter movement.

Political Background and What Next

West Bengal is voting across 152 seats in this first phase. The primary contest remains between TMC and BJP. Mamata Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term, which would make her the first woman in India to achieve that feat. The remaining 142 seats go to polls on 29 April. Results will be declared on 4 May.