Clashes Erupt Between BJP And TMC Workers In Howrah, Police Resort To Lathi Charge To Control Situation

Tensions rise before the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections as clashes erupt between supporters of Trinamool Congress, BJP and Indian Secular Front in Howrah and Haroa. Police intervened to disperse crowds and safeguard polling preparations, with security heightened in sensitive areas ahead of April 29 voting.

Sporadic political clashes were reported in Howrah and Haroa in West Bengal, days before polling on April 29. Supporters of Trinamool Congress, BJP and Indian Secular Front faced off during separate roadshows. Police said several people, including an officer, were injured as tensions rose ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The most serious injury was reported from Haroa in North 24 Parganas district on April 27 night. A police sub-inspector suffered wounds while trying to calm Trinamool Congress and Indian Secular Front supporters. The confrontation began during an ISF roadshow, according to a senior police official who described the situation as tense but under control.

Haroa clash highlights West Bengal elections tension

Police said ISF workers were returning from a rally addressed by party leader Naushad Siddique when trouble started. At a street-corner meeting, some Trinamool Congress supporters allegedly shouted taunts, triggering an argument. The argument soon turned into a clash, with both ISF and Trinamool Congress later claiming that several of their supporters sustained injuries during the incident.

Howrah roadshow slogans deepen West Bengal elections strain

In Howrah town, confrontation broke out during a roadshow for BJP’s Uttar Howrah candidate Umesh Rai. As the procession moved along G T Road, it passed a Trinamool Congress election office. TMC supporters shouted the slogan "Joy Bangla," while BJP workers responded with chants of "Jai Shri Ram." The rival slogans quickly led to heated arguments.

The sloganeering soon turned into pushing and shoving between the two groups, police officials stated. Central forces then used batons to disperse Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters gathered at the spot. BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan was heading the roadshow, but police said the vehicle carrying Ravi Kishan had already crossed the area before the clash began.

The second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly elections is scheduled for April 29, with counting on May 4. Security agencies are monitoring sensitive areas, including Howrah and North 24 Parganas, after these incidents. Officials said they aim to prevent further violence as campaigning continues and polling day approaches.