Phase 1 of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal turned turbulent as instances of violence marred the polling process in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri constituencies on April 19. Reports emerged of clashes between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with both sides accusing each other of disrupting the electoral process.
By 9 am, a modest voter turnout of over 15 percent was recorded across the three constituencies, according to Election Commission officials. In Cooch Behar’s Chandamari area, BJP claimed that TMC workers hurled stones, resulting in injuries to their booth president. The incident highlights the tense atmosphere prevailing in certain regions during the polling.
In the heart of Coochbehar Natabari, where the quiet hum of democracy should reign, darkness descended like a shroud last night.
Amidst the flickering lights of Booth No. 175, nestled within the Pani Shala area, a scene of horror unfolded. Mustafa Ali, entrusted with the solemn… pic.twitter.com/MWppejKPra
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 19, 2024
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers of kidnapping their polling agent, Biswanath Paul, from a booth. However, the Block Development Officer (BDO) reported to the Election Commission that Paul had left to collect the voter’s list and returned to his duties.
Nisith Pramanik, Union Minister and BJP candidate, condemned the violence, likening the situation to Sandeshkhali and asserting that TMC’s tactics wouldn’t secure victory.
#WATCH | Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency, Nisith Pramanik alleges violence and vandalisation by TMC cadres at a polling booth in the constituency today
He says, "TMC has made the Bengal into Sandeshkhali. No matter how hard TMC tries, it… pic.twitter.com/XiBOIbmVew
— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024
A common man faced the brunt of the violence as his eyes were severely injured at the time of polling in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Sitalkuchi, Coochbehar.
An ordinary voter's eye got seriously injured due to stone pelting of TMC. Incident of Sitalkuchi, Coochbehar.
Remember this while voters of West Bengal vote in the next 7 phases. pic.twitter.com/1PrdlpxUWZ— Keya Ghosh (@keyakahe) April 19, 2024
In a dramatic turn of events during Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Elections in North Bengal’s Cooch Behar district, vigilant Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, along with alert citizens, successfully thwarted attempts of booth-capturing allegedly orchestrated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters.
The incident unfolded in Balarampur, where BSF personnel and vigilant locals intercepted and prevented TMC-affiliated individuals from seizing control of the polling booth. The swift action by the BSF and citizens ensured the integrity of the voting process and upheld democratic principles in the region.
TMC goons tried to capture many booths but their plan ha been failed by our brave BSF Jawan.
Just imagine West Bengal elections without central security forces.
People of Bengal are voting for change. 80% + voting confirm till the end of the day.#ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/03c8UMiunE
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) April 19, 2024
In a continuation of the escalating tensions surrounding Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Elections in Cooch Behar, BJP workers have reported multiple instances of violence and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
According to BJP sources, their cadre were targeted in Natabari, where they were allegedly attacked by individuals affiliated with the TMC. Several injured BJP workers were subsequently admitted to Tufhangunj hospital in Cooch Behar for medical treatment.
Furthermore, the BJP has accused the TMC of orchestrating attacks on the residences of BJP Karyakartas, resulting in the destruction of property. These claims add to the mounting allegations of violence and coercion surrounding the electoral process in the region.
One of the most concerning incidents highlighted by the BJP is the alleged stone-pelting by TMC workers in the Chandamari area, aimed at obstructing voters from casting their ballots. The violence reportedly led to injuries sustained by the BJP’s booth president, further exacerbating tensions between the rival political parties.
As the situation remains volatile, authorities are urged to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of voters and political workers alike.
