<p>The first phase of voting on Friday (Apr 19) for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Lok Sabha Election 2024</a> was marred by political violence in the Indian state of West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both parties claimed the electoral process in the state is being disrupted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-shots-fired-at-manipur-polling-booth-three-injured-712927">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shots fired at Manipur polling booth, three injured</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) received over 100 complaints from West Bengal during the Phase 1 polling till noon.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">West Bengal: Alert BSF troopers foil attempt to capture polling booth by alleged TMC hooligans at Balrampur area of Natabari Assembly in CoochBehar.<br />
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The EC has till now received over 100 complaints from West Bengal during the Phase 1 polling. <a href="https://t.co/Sma0d5OnWi">pic.twitter.com/Sma0d5OnWi</a></p>
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeghUpdates/status/1781218266314420641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>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."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-generations-of-women-exercise-their-right-to-vote-712872">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Three generations of women exercise their right to vote</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"Surrounded by the echoes of violence, the tranquility of Bengal shatters like glass," the post read. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In the heart of Coochbehar Natabari, where the quiet hum of democracy should reign, darkness descended like a shroud last night.<br />
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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… <a href="https://t.co/MWppejKPra">pic.twitter.com/MWppejKPra</a></p>
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Bengal/status/1781190409622016299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency Nisith Pramanik cast his vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pramanik claimed: "TMC is trying to prevent people from reaching the booths.&nbsp;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."&nbsp;</p>

<p>TMC has fielded Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Congress has fielded Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | West Bengal: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency Nisith Pramanik casts his vote in the first phase of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a><br />
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TMC has fielded Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Congress has fielded Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch… <a href="https://t.co/iLPkfR6Okz">pic.twitter.com/iLPkfR6Okz</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781218335067459713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The first phase of voting on Friday (Apr 19) for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 was marred by political violence in the Indian state of 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.

The first phase of voting on Friday (Apr 19) for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 was marred by political violence in the Indian state of 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. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shots fired at Manipur polling booth, three injured 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. West Bengal: Alert BSF troopers foil attempt to capture polling booth by alleged TMC hooligans at Balrampur area of Natabari Assembly in CoochBehar. The EC has till now received over 100 complaints from West Bengal during the Phase 1 polling. pic.twitter.com/Sma0d5OnWi — Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 19, 2024 × 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. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Three generations of women exercise their right to vote "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. 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 × Watch this report: × 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. #WATCH | West Bengal: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency Nisith Pramanik casts his vote in the first phase of the #LokSabhaElections2024 TMC has fielded Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Congress has fielded Piya Roy Chowdhury from Cooch… pic.twitter.com/iLPkfR6Okz — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × 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)

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

<p>As voters in Cooch Behar&nbsp;prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2019-in-west-bengal-bjp-tmc-bank-on-turncoats-to-win-poll-battle-205078">BJP has already declared</a> its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.</p>

<p>On Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-maligned-bengal-with-scams-denied-people-of-central-scheme-benefits-pm-modi-208492">PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll</a> rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border.</p>

<p>The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress.</p>

<p>The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader.</p>

<p>In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack.</p>

<p>The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes.</p>

<p>BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in &nbsp;Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat.</p>

<p>Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her.</p>

<p>The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent.</p>

<p>Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014.</p>

<p>During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank.</p>

<p>"Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat.

As voters in Cooch Behar prepare to go to the polls on April 11th, the BJP has already declared its intentions to open a front with PM Modi leading from the front in the reserved schedule caste category seat. On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi addressed a poll rally in the former princely state where he targeted corruption and Mamata Banerjee's regime. Cooch Behar is one of the key seats of West Bengal among the 48 constituencies which will be keenly watched by political pundits. The more the "lotus" will bloom in West Bengal, the stronger your voice will be. The fight for your rights will get stronger," the prime minister said at the poll rally which is close to the Indo-Bangla border. The Trinamool Congress and the BJP will face-off against each other in this important eastern outpost which the BJP hopes it can wrestle from the TMC. However, there are others in the fray as well namely the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and Congress. The key West Bengal constituency has an almost equal division of men and women voters comprising of 9,40,948 and 8,68,632 respectively. TMC has filed Paresh Chandra Adhikary while the BJP has picked Nisith Pramanik, a former Trinamool Youth Congress leader. In 2014, the BJP had finished third behind the Forward Bloc and TMC which clinched the seat with a huge margin. Renuka Sinha who had won the seat, however, passed away in 2016 due to a heart attack. The BJP came back strongly in the by-poll in 2016 finishing second behind the TMC's Partha Pratim Ray. The constituency which was once the bastion on the AIFB fell away drastically polling just six per cent votes. BJP candidate Hem Chandra Barman polled 38, 1134 votes against Ray's 79,4375 votes as the AIFB faded away. This time however the TMC has given the ticket to Adhikary and the BJP has expressed confidence in Nisith Pramanik to grab TMC's seat. Congress candidate Priya Roy Chowdhury will be hoping to seize the seat by cutting into the vote bank of all three - BJP, TMC and AIFB, however, it will be an uphill task for her. The constituency has exactly 1,329,086 electorates, according to the Election Commission with the administrative division belonging to Jalpaiguri. Significantly, the average literacy rate of Cooch Behar is 75 per cent, with male literacy rate of 81 per cent and female literacy rate of 69 per cent. Development, cross-border infiltration and employment dominate the poll issues in this agricultural area which has witnessed a political slugfest over the years, especially since 2014. During his poll rally, PM Narendra Modi had said the NDA government had approved projects worth crores, focussing on the development plank. "Didi has put a break on free treatment for the poor under Ayushman Yojana and on financial assistance to farmers," the prime minister said at Cooch Behar in a bid to win over the farmers who constitute a major chunk of voters. The Lok Sabha poll results which will be declared on May 23rd may open a new front for the BJP as it seeks to grab the eastern front from the ruling TMC.

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal

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

First phase Lok Sabha polls: After PM Modi's rally, BJP eyes Cooch Behar in West Bengal