Violence Erupts in West Bengal: AJUP and TMC Supporters Clash Amid Polls

Tensions flared in Naoda, West Bengal, as clashes erupted between supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) during the assembly elections. The violence prompted police and central forces to intervene with baton charges to restore order. Allegations of voter intimidation and electoral misconduct have surfaced, with both parties accusing each other. As the situation escalated, security forces were deployed to prevent further unrest. This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing electoral process, with the second phase of polling approaching.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 13:12 IST

Clashes Erupt in Naoda During Assembly Polls

Naoda (WB): On Thursday, tensions escalated in the Naoda region of West Bengal's Murshidabad district as clashes erupted between supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Authorities reported that police and central forces had to use batons to disperse the crowd.

The unrest occurred in Shibnagar village during the initial phase of the state assembly elections. Reports indicated multiple instances of vehicle damage, with AJUP supporters, led by Humayun Kabir, being accused of inciting the violence, a claim he refuted.

To restore order, central forces employed a lathi charge. The Election Commission has requested a detailed report regarding the incident.

Tensions had been mounting since the morning when Kabir visited a polling booth after casting his vote. He faced protests from TMC supporters who chanted slogans demanding his departure and accused him of being affiliated with the BJP.

The atmosphere grew increasingly charged, leading to confrontations between the two factions near the polling site. Kabir subsequently organized a sit-in protest, alleging that the ruling party was intimidating voters and engaging in electoral misconduct.

He further claimed that the TMC had bribed several candidates from his party to withdraw from the elections, a statement that the ruling party has yet to address.

As the day progressed, clashes intensified, with both groups throwing stones and bricks, creating a significant law and order issue, according to a senior official.

In response, police and central forces intervened, executing a baton charge to break up the crowds and restore calm. A substantial number of security personnel were deployed around the polling station to avert further disturbances.

This incident occurred during the first phase of voting across 152 assembly constituencies in the state, where the majority of polling has been peaceful, despite some isolated tensions. The second phase of voting is set for April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.