Siliguri: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 witnessed multiple incidents of violence, technical disruptions, and political confrontations across several districts, raising concerns over the smooth conduct of polling.
In Siliguri, tensions flared outside a polling booth at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith (Booth No. 26/237), where workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed during voting hours. The situation escalated briefly, prompting swift intervention by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), who dispersed the crowd and restored order. BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh was reportedly present at the scene when the confrontation unfolded, leading to a temporary disruption in polling.
Meanwhile, in Malda, voting at a booth in Balua Chara High School was reportedly disrupted due to the alleged malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Voters faced delays and confusion as polling officials worked to address the issue. Though authorities attempted to restore normalcy, the disruption added to concerns over electoral preparedness.
In another serious incident, Murshidabad witnessed violence involving crude bombs, leaving several individuals injured. The clash reportedly involved supporters linked to local political factions, intensifying the already charged atmosphere in the district. Allegations surfaced pointing toward cadres associated with Humayun Kabir, though official confirmation and detailed investigations are awaited.
These incidents highlight the recurring challenges faced during elections in politically sensitive regions of West Bengal, where fierce rivalry between major parties often leads to unrest. While security forces acted promptly in several instances to control the situation, the disruptions underscore the need for heightened vigilance and stronger mechanisms to ensure free and fair polling.
As the multi-phase election progresses, the focus will remain on maintaining law and order, ensuring voter safety, and addressing technical and administrative lapses to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
