Violence Erupts in Bhatarpara Ahead of West Bengal Elections

In a dramatic turn of events in Bhatarpara, West Bengal, clashes erupted between TMC and BJP workers just before the elections. Accusations of violence, including gunfire and intimidation, have been exchanged between the two parties. TMC candidate Amit Gupta claims that BJP leader Arjun Singh instigated the violence, while BJP's Pawan Kumar Singh alleges that TMC disrupted their campaign efforts. This incident highlights the escalating tensions as Prime Minister Modi prepares to visit the area for election campaigning. The situation raises concerns about the political climate leading up to the elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 07:05 IST

Clashes in Bhatarpara Assembly Constituency

In the final moments leading up to the elections in West Bengal, significant unrest occurred late Sunday night at the Bhatarpara assembly seat in North 24 Parganas district. Workers from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed right in front of a police station, with media cameras capturing the chaos. Both parties are now trading accusations. The BJP claims that TMC members opened fire, injuring a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Conversely, TMC has accused BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh of intimidating their members inside the police station, suggesting that such behavior would continue if the BJP were to gain power.

Background of the Constituency

This incident took place in the Bhatarpara assembly constituency, previously represented by Arjun Singh. After leaving TMC for the BJP, he fielded his son, Pawan Singh, in the by-elections. Pawan won both the 2019 by-elections and the 2021 elections, currently serving as the sitting MLA. TMC has nominated young leader Amit Gupta to contest against him. Notably, this constituency falls within the Barrackpore Lok Sabha area, where Arjun Singh served as MP from 2019 until his defeat in 2024. The unrest occurred just before the final day of campaigning, which will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the area to promote the BJP.

Details of the Incident

A video captured the moment when Arjun Singh arrived with his supporters and security personnel. One individual was seen picking up a brick, and shortly after, a stone was thrown, leading to a commotion. The situation escalated quickly, with both sides engaging in a scuffle in front of numerous cameras. Security personnel attempted to intervene, but tensions remained high, with some individuals seen attacking another person.

In another video, Arjun Singh was seen pushing someone, which ignited further violence. After a brief struggle, the situation eventually calmed down, but it all unfolded right outside the Jagaddal police station.

TMC's Response

Amit Gupta, the TMC candidate from Bhatarpara, stated, 'Our workers were putting up banners and flexes at our party office when Guddu Singh and Pintu Singh attacked them, tearing down our materials. We went to file a complaint at the police station, and while we were there, Arjun Singh arrived with his CISF security and assaulted our members inside the station. We witnessed his thuggery through the media. This is not new; he has numerous pending cases against him. This is his nature.'

Gupta further criticized the BJP, saying, 'If these individuals come to power, similar incidents will occur everywhere. Those who can commit crimes inside a police station can do anything. We have lodged a complaint with the election commission and informed our higher leadership. We expect the administration to take action.'

BJP's Allegations of Gunfire

BJP candidate Pawan Kumar Singh reported that disturbances began the previous day during their meeting when TMC leaders, including ward councilor Manoj Pandey, arrived to create chaos. After filing a complaint with the police, they were assured action would be taken. Singh noted that while they were preparing for Prime Minister Modi's visit, TMC members attempted to disrupt their activities, leading to confrontations at the police station. He recounted, 'When we returned, stones were thrown, and then gunfire erupted, injuring a CISF personnel in the leg. This unrest seems aimed at disrupting the atmosphere ahead of PM Modi's arrival.'