Bengal Election: Clash between TMC and Humayun Kabir's supporters, attack involving crude bombs as well; what is happening in Murshidabad?

Voting is currently underway for 152 seats across 16 districts as part of the first phase of the Bengal Assembly elections. Meanwhile, a clash erupted in Murshidabad between Humayun Kabir—President of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party—and Trinamool Congress workers. During the altercation, sticks were wielded, and stones were thrown.

Earlier, on Wednesday night, an incident of bomb-throwing occurred in the Nauda Assembly constituency of Murshidabad district. Trinamool Congress MP Abu Taher Khan has alleged that members of Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party were behind this incident. He stated that members of Humayun’s party resorted to throwing bombs in an attempt to intimidate voters. The Election Commission has sought a report from the local administration regarding this incident.

What Did Eyewitnesses Say?

Speaking to the news agency ANI, an eyewitness recounted, “I stepped out last night around 8 PM to offer prayers. I was standing there when two young men approached and threw a bomb right near my feet. It was the workers of Humayun Kabir’s party who carried out this act.”

Humayun Kabir Dismisses Allegations as Baseless

Humayun Kabir stated, “Voting is proceeding peacefully across all 22 seats in Nauda, ​​Rejinagar, and Murshidabad. However, an incident did occur during the night at two specific booths in Nauda—Booths 9 and 10. The individuals involved snatched a bag from the police.”

Election Commission Seeks Report

Meanwhile, residents of Raipur village claimed that armed individuals had been present in the area since early morning, creating an atmosphere of fear. These allegations were leveled against the ruling TMC. The Election Commission sought a report on the matter and subsequently deployed heavy security forces to the area. Once voting resumed, security personnel escorted voters to the polling booths.

Voting was delayed or temporarily halted at several booths due to malfunctions in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). These included booths in Beldanga, Shamsherganj, and Kandi in Murshidabad. Similar issues were also reported from Nandigram, Malda, Cooch Behar, and Siliguri.