West Bengal: Violent clashes erupted in West Bengal on Thursday, creating tensions between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in Bhangar, located in the South 24 Parganas district. The clashes involved the hurling of bombs, prompting the police to intervene by using tear gas shells in an attempt to restore order. Notably, Thursday marked the final day for filing nomination papers for the upcoming panchayat polls in West Bengal.
This was not the first instance of violence in Bhangar, as similar clashes occurred on Tuesday, June 13. During the brawl between the ruling TMC and ISF, several cars were vandalized and bombs were thrown in the presence of the police. Apart from Bhangar, violence also broke out in Saithia, situated in the Birbhum district, over the filing of nominations on the last day.
In Birbhum district's Ilambazar area, independent candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were allegedly assaulted by TMC workers. Local BJP leader Inamul Sheikh and his sister-in-law were reportedly struck with lathis (batons). The occurrences in Bhangar and Birbhum are indicative of the escalating electoral violence in parts of West Bengal preceding the panchayat polls.
On Thursday, three individuals were shot in North Dinajpur district while they were en route to file nominations for the panchayat polls. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) claimed that the injured individuals were supporters of the Left Front. These incidents underscore the volatile nature of the political landscape in the state.
Residents of Kathalia village in Bhangar reported the discovery of a significant quantity of crude bombs in three parked cars. Furthermore, over 150 bombs were allegedly thrown at ISF leaders on June 14, purportedly by TMC workers. Several incidents involving gunfire were also reported across various locations, further exacerbating the situation.
The upcoming panchayat polls in West Bengal will encompass approximately 75,000 seats within the three-tier Panchayati Raj system. The polling is scheduled to take place on July 8. The escalating violence, clashes between political factions, and instances of vandalism and assault underscore the need for increased security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections and the safety of all participants.
The state government and law enforcement agencies must take immediate and effective steps to curb violence, apprehend the perpetrators, and restore peace and stability in the affected regions. It is imperative for political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and discourage any form of violence or intimidation during the electoral process. The peaceful conduct of elections is vital for upholding democratic values and allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote without fear or coercion.
ALSO WATCH: