BJP Candidate Shuvendu Sarkar Attacked in South Dinajpur During Polling

Tension rose in West Bengal's South Dinajpur district during polling after allegations surfaced that a BJP candidate was attacked in Kumarganj.

What began as a largely peaceful voting day reportedly turned chaotic as incidents of confrontation and violence started emerging from the area.

Allegations of Attack on BJP Candidate

BJP candidate Shuvendu Sarkar claimed that he was targeted by a group of miscreants during polling hours. According to him, the attackers were linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

There were allegations that he was slapped, punched, and chased in front of police personnel, creating a tense atmosphere at the polling site. The incident quickly drew attention as it involved a candidate directly, raising serious concerns about election security.

Claims of Booth Obstruction and Intimidation

Earlier in the day, there were also reports that the BJP candidate's polling agent was stopped from entering a booth. This led to a confrontation between rival groups, further escalating tensions.

According to BJP leaders, supporters of the ruling party tried to block opposition agents and control the polling process in certain areas. The candidate himself reportedly reached the spot to confront those involved.

"They Tried to Trap and Attack Me": Candidate

Speaking after the incident, Shuvendu Sarkar denied claims that he was physically assaulted but said there was a clear attempt to attack him.

"There was an attempt to attack me. They couldn't lay a hand on me, but my car was damaged. Journalists' vehicles were also broken. This was planned from the morning."

He further alleged that a group tried to trap him in a narrow area to prevent him from leaving, claiming it was part of a larger plan to create fear and disrupt voting.

Questions Raised Over Security and Police Role

The incident has also raised questions about the role of local police and security arrangements during polling.

Sarkar criticised the local administration, alleging that the police were not acting impartially. He specifically questioned the role of the Superintendent of Police, claiming that the situation was not being handled fairly.

"The Election Commission is trying, but the local police are responsible here. I have said since morning that the SP is not impartial," he said.

Election Commission Emphasises Peaceful Voting

Despite these incidents, the Election Commission has continued to stress that all efforts are being made to ensure peaceful and fair voting across the state.

Central forces have been deployed in many areas, but incidents like this have raised concerns about coordination between central and local authorities.