Bengal polls turn tense: Clash erupts between TMC party cadre and Humayun Kabir in Mu
Bengal polls turn tense: Clash erupts between TMC party cadre and Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad
M.U.H
23/04/202622
Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections after a scuffle broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir. The clash took place when Kabir visited areas in Nowda where a crude bomb hurling incident had been reported a day earlier.
Kabir claimed that irregularities were reported at two polling booths in Nowda. He alleged that incidents took place overnight at booths number 9 and 10, where miscreants even snatched bags belonging to local police personnel. He also said party agents were prevented from entering these booths, prompting his visit to the area.
He said, “In Nowda, Rejinagar and all 22 seats of Murshidabad, peaceful elections are taking place. But in 2 booths of Nowda here, in number 9 and number 10, some incident happened overnight. They snatched the bags of local Police. Also, agents were not allowed to enter these booths.”
Reacting to the violence, Kabir said he had instructed his supporters to remain calm and not escalate the situation. He maintained that his intention was to ensure peaceful polling and not to threaten or harm anyone. He also confirmed that he would personally visit the affected locations.
Kabir casts vote, appeals for unity
Earlier in the day, Kabir cast his vote as polling began across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the two-stage elections. He appealed for communal harmony, stressing that development in the state must include all communities and remain free from political violence.
Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise, Kabir said, “Bengal should maintain harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Development should be for all people. There should not be any hooliganism in the name of politics.”
After voting, Kabir accused the ruling TMC of weakening his party by offering money to lure away his supporters. He claimed that due to such tactics, his party was now contesting fewer seats than initially planned.
“I had a huge target for my party; however, the TMC people lured my people by giving cash, and now I am contesting in the 115 seats only… Soon, Amit Shah will also go back to Delhi, and Mamata will also be out of power,” he said.
First poll test for his own party
Kabir, a former TMC leader, is contesting from Rejinagar and Nowda seats. He said this election marks the first time his own party is in the fray, calling it a significant moment in his political journey. He reiterated that every citizen has the right to vote and participate freely in the democratic process.
Humayun Kabir had secured victory in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Bharatpur seat in Murshidabad district as a candidate of the Trinamool Congress.
