West Bengal Assembly Elections Phase 1: The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections has concluded with a massive voter turnout of 91.46 per cent across 152 constituencies in 16 districts. Traditionally known for fierce violence during polls, the state this time saw sporadic but shocking incidents of attacks, vandalism and clashes, before and during the polling.

As many as 1,478 candidates were in the fray in the first phase, including 167 women nominees. The initial hours remained peaceful, but as the voting proceeded, several incidents of violence were reported.

Agnimitra Paul's car attacked: BJP leader Agnimitra Paul's car was attacked from behind in Asansol, which left her rear window shattered. The car was allegedly targeted in a stone attack.

Reacting to the incident, Paul said, "A stone was pelted at my running car as we were coming out of a polling booth in Rahmat Nagar in Asansol. It is very clear who is behind this. This is an effort to influence the election. We have filed a complaint against this."

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BJP candidate's verbal spat with TMC worker: Jagannath Chattopadhyay, the BJP candidate from Siuri, engaged in a verbal spat with a TMC worker, a video of which surfaced on social media. Chattopadhyay accused the worker of the ruling party of "terrorising" voters. During the altercation, he also asserted that she cannot be present within a 100-metre radius of the polling booth.

BJP candidate chased: A disturbing video of BJP candidate from South Dinajpur, Shuvendu Sarkar, being chased and manhandled allegedly by TMC workers has surfaced on social media. The video shows a security person running with him to protect him.

Sarkar alleged that he was beaten up by TMC workers after he personally intervened to a forceful removal of BJP's 8-10 polling agents.

Humayun Kabir attacked: Former TMC leader and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir was targeted in a "sudden attack" by TMC supporters in Murshidabad. The incident took place during his visit to Nowda area where a crude bomb was hearled on Wednesday night.

After the attack, he said, "The public will give a reply to TMC. Their 'goondagiri' will end on 4th May 2026. I was suddenly attacked. At the time when my people gathered to take action, the police lathi-charged them. Additional SP Majeed Khan should be suspended. He is the real criminal and TMC dalal [broker]".

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Ink poured on BJP symbol on EVM: In Raghunathpur assembly constituency, ink was smeared over the BJP symbol, the Lotus, on an EVM at a polling booth. The incident was highlighted by Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) later said that the ink was removed and voting was going on peacefully.

TMC vs BJP over Nandigram: The ruling TMC and BJP accused the police of working in each other's favour in Nandigram. BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari alleged that TMC "goons" were threatening people on the poll day.

Speaking at a press conference, TMC minister Shashi Panja alleged that cops deployed in Nandigram and Purba Medinipur were acting in favour of the BJP.

Adhikari, on the other hand, alleged that murder accused Sheikh Sahabudding was roaming feely. He said, "Murder accused Sheikh Sahabuddin is roaming in the area freely. He is visiting booths where Hindu voters are in the majority and threatening them. I am visiting those booths to reassure the voters".


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