BJP and TMC workers clash during poll campaign in Kolkata

Clashes broke out between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata during election campaigning, prompting police intervention. Leaders traded allegations as tensions rose ahead of polling, with similar incidents reported in other parts of the city

Kolkata: Workers of the BJP and TMC clashed in the Dhapa area of east Kolkata on Tuesday, police said.

The incident occurred when BJP’s Entally candidate Priyanka Tibrewal was campaigning in Ward 58 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, they said.

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An altercation, which started over playing songs on high-bass loudspeakers, soon escalated, leading to scuffles, they added.

However, central forces and the local police brought the situation under control, and Tibrewal was escorted out of the area along with other BJP workers, an officer said.

Tibrewal demanded the suspension of the officers-in-charge of Tangra and Pragati Maidan police stations over the incident.

“One of our workers was badly beaten and had to be hospitalised. Even some women police personnel were injured in the violence. TMC supporters are trying to terrorise BJP workers so that free and fair polling cannot take place on April 29,” she alleged.

Tibrewal also alleged that despite having permission to campaign in the Dhapa and Tangra areas, BJP workers were being intimidated, and claimed that local police were not effectively deploying central forces to ensure a level playing field.

“TMC workers have torn our banners, flexes and posters. But how many will they destroy? People have already made up their minds,” she added.

Refuting the allegations, TMC candidate Sandipan Saha accused the BJP of trying to instigate tension and polarise voters.

“The BJP is attempting to create disturbances and foment division, but people have rejected such tactics,” he claimed, adding that since the administration is under the Election Commission, any complaints should be directed to it.

In a separate incident, BJP workers gheraoed Baranagar police station in the northern outskirts of the city following a clash with TMC supporters during campaigning.

BJP’s Baranagar candidate Sajal Ghosh alleged that four party supporters were severely assaulted by TMC workers while returning from a meeting.

TMC candidate Sayantika Bandyopadhyay, however, termed the incident a result of infighting within the BJP and accused Ghosh of deflecting attention.

No arrests have been made in connection with either incident so far, police said.
Polling will be held for West Bengal’s 294-member Assembly on April 23 and 29. The votes will be counted on May 4.