The second phase of West Bengal’s high-stakes assembly elections turned ugly on April 29, with violent skirmishes reported from Nadia, Howrah, South 24 Parganas, and beyond. A brazen assault on BJP’s Basanti candidate Vikas Sardar highlighted the day’s turmoil: during a routine booth visit at number 76, his car was smashed, and attackers tried disarming his guards—allegedly unchecked by on-site central troops.
This attack in South 24 Parganas amplified fears of poll rigging, as BJP claims TMC cadres are unleashing mayhem to suppress opposition votes. The district, a TMC stronghold, saw immediate escalation in unrest, prompting reinforcements.
Panihati assembly segment boiled over at booth 145 with BJP-TMC fisticuffs disrupting voting for hours until forces intervened. In Hugli-Chuchura, tearing down roadside TMC banners ignited brawls, compounded by voter list shredding allegations at nearby booths where central jawans faced ejection attempts by TMC loyalists.
Howrah’s Bally voters rioted over faulty voting machines at three booths, met with baton charges and arrests. North 24 Parganas’ Sasan witnessed fierce resistance against TMC intimidators from locals and AISF backers. Nadia’s Karimpur exposed police bias, with an officer allegedly canvassing for TMC, while Chapra’s BJP agent Moshrraf Mir was savagely beaten at booth 52, now recovering in hospital.
As polls progress, these flashpoints reveal deep political animosities, challenging the Election Commission’s ability to ensure peaceful, transparent voting in this fiercely contested battleground.
