Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Clashes erupt between BJP and TMC workers in West Bengal

Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri seats went to polls in Phase 1 of the general election, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) party workers accusing each other of hurting poll agents.

Both parties claimed the electoral process in the state is being disrupted.

Reports emerged that Border Security Force (BSF) troopers also foiled an attempt to capture a polling booth allegedly by people associated with the TMC party at the Balrampur area of Natabari Assembly in CoochBehar.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) received over 100 complaints from West Bengal during the Phase 1 polling till noon.

In a post on social media platform X, BJP West Bengal wrote: "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 duty of ensuring the sanctity of the electoral process, became the target of Trinamool's vicious onslaught," it added.

"Surrounded by the echoes of violence, the tranquility of Bengal shatters like glass," the post read.

"As dawn breaks over the bloodstained streets, the scars of injustice serve as a grim reminder of the battle for democracy in the face of tyranny. The people of Bengal stand united, unwavering in their demand for justice," it further said.

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Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency Nisith Pramanik cast his vote.

Pramanik claimed: "TMC is trying to prevent people from reaching the booths.The fear of losing is visible in TMC's eyes. People are fully prepared to oppose TMC goons. People will definitely respond to the violence through their votes."

TMC has fielded Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Congress has fielded Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.

Polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections started on Friday with more than 1,600 candidates, including eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and an ex-governor will test their electoral fate.

As many as 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls in the first phase which is also the largest of the seven phases of the elections.

(With inputs from agencies)