Murshidabad Poll Violence: TMC, Kabir Supporters Clash; Bomb Blast Near Nawda Booth Triggers Panic

Tension flared up in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during polling day after clashes broke out between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and supporters of Humayun Kabir, who had earlier left the party and formed his own political outfit.

The confrontation quickly turned chaotic, with both sides engaging in scuffles near polling areas. Reports also suggested that security personnel present at the spot were caught in the middle, with incidents of pushing and jostling adding to the confusion. The situation raised fresh concerns about law and order during the ongoing elections.

Poll-Eve Bomb Blast Added to Tension

The clashes came just a day after a bomb blast near a polling booth in the Nawda Assembly constituency created panic among local residents.

The explosion occurred late at night in the Shibnagar area, close to a primary school that had been designated as a polling station. According to locals, several crude bombs were thrown on a nearby road, apparently to create fear ahead of voting.

The incident heightened anxiety in the region even before polling began.

Questions Raised Over Security Arrangements

The blast has raised serious questions about security, especially since it took place just around 50 metres from the polling booth despite the presence of central forces.

A woman was injured in the explosion but is reported to be in stable condition. The proximity of the incident to a secured polling location has led to criticism and concern over how such an attack could occur.

TMC candidate Sahina Mumtaz Khan, who was near the site, alleged that she might have been the intended target. She questioned the effectiveness of the security arrangements in place.

Political Blame Game Intensifies

Following the incident, the Trinamool Congress blamed supporters of Kabir's party, the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), for the violence.

TMC leaders also alleged that workers linked to CPI(M) and AJUP were involved in the attack, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate voters and disrupt the election process.
On the other hand, tensions between rival groups continued during polling, reflecting deep political divisions in the region.

Police Step Up Vigilance

After the blast, police and central security forces reached the area and increased patrols to prevent further incidents. Officials said that the situation was brought under control and additional security measures were put in place to ensure peaceful voting.

Authorities maintained that they were closely monitoring sensitive areas to avoid any escalation of violence.