Voting in Nowda in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district was disrupted after a crude bomb was allegedly thrown by unidentified individuals, injuring several people, according to PTI. The blast took place while polling was underway, sparking panic among voters and locals present in the area.
Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, though officials are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties or their condition. Security personnel reached the site shortly after the explosion and have launched search operations to track down those responsible.
Meanwhile, a scuffle broke out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad. Humayun Kabir was visiting the area after the crude bomb hurling incident was reported.
The Election Commission of India has taken cognisance of the multiple incidents of poll violence and booth capturing, as well as clashes across West Bengal.
Polling for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections began on Thursday, covering 152 constituencies amid tight security and high political stakes. Voting started at 7 am, with queues forming early at booths across regions—from Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the north to Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly in the south. With more than half of the state's 294 seats in play, this round is seen as a key battle for both the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Over 3.6 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots, including around 1.75 crore women. Security arrangements have been ramped up, with 2,450 companies of paramilitary forces deployed and a large number of sensitive booths under strict monitoring.
The Election Commission has also put in place enhanced surveillance and quick-response systems to maintain smooth and peaceful polling.
Till 9 am, 18.76% voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections. Voting for the second phase will begin at 7am on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
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