Clashes erupt between BJP and TMC workers in Durgapur amid Lok Sabha polls in Bengal

Clashes erupted between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) ahead of polling for eight Lok Sabha seats in the Durgapur constituency in West Bengal.

The clash, which unfolded in Durgapur, saw heated confrontations between supporters of both parties. TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar voiced concerns, alleging that BJP workers, accompanied by central forces, were attempting to influence voters since early morning. Haldar stated, "Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, and voters also protested... They are trying to bring polling agents from outside... People of the area are opposing them here."

The clash underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, where political rivalries have often resulted in confrontations and tensions.

Meanwhile, polling for eight Lok Sabha seats in the state commenced at 7 am under tight security arrangements, as confirmed by an Election Commission official. The constituencies included Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat (SC), Bardhaman Purba (SC), Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC), and Birbhum.

A significant number of voters, totaling 1.45 crore, including 71.45 lakh women and 282 belonging to the third gender, are eligible to cast their votes at 15,507 polling stations spread across various districts in South Bengal.