India

Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Gripped by Post-Poll Violence, Tensions Remain High

The aftermath of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Cooch Behar, particularly, has been marked by tension and incidents of violence. Post-poll clashes erupted in various parts of the district, reminiscent of the turmoil witnessed during the state assembly elections in April 2021, where five people lost their lives in a single day.

Allegations flew from both sides: the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) claimed the ransacking of a party worker’s house in Dinhata, with reports of his father being assaulted. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that several of their workers were hospitalized after alleged attacks by TMC members. Disturbingly, even a physically challenged panchayat member was not spared from violence in the Dinhata-II block.

Sitalkuchi, a sensitive area, witnessed the hurling of crude bombs in front of a BJP worker’s residence after polling had concluded. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, clashes erupted in places like Gitaldaha, Chandmari, Bhetaguri, Sitalkuchi, Sitai, and Mathabhanga, underscoring the pervasive tension.

The tragic history of violence in Sitalkuchi during the 2021 assembly polls resurfaced in memory, with echoes of previous fatalities haunting the district. Friday’s clashes affected several assembly constituencies, including Sitai, Natabari, Sutalkuchi, and Dinhata.

Also read: Results Of UP Board High School And Intermediate Examinations Declared, Sitapur Students Top List

Both parties exchanged accusations of voter intimidation, obstructing access to polling booths, and assaulting booth agents. Instances of political offices being set ablaze were reported in Toofanganj and Dabgram-Fulbari.

The neighboring districts of Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal also witnessed polling during this phase, recalling the BJP’s recent electoral gains in the region.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) received a staggering 556 complaints from the three districts, with Cooch Behar alone contributing 269. These incidents underscore the challenges of conducting free and fair elections in regions marred by political violence and polarization.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

DNA Can’t Confirm Rape Without Proof Of Lack Of Consent: Delhi High Court

Justice Amit Mahajan said that even if DNA proves the accused is the biological father…

14 mins ago

Supreme Court Allows Yasin Malik To Cross-Examine Witnesses Via Video From Tihar Jail

The SC allowed Yasin Malik to cross-examine prosecution witnesses via video conferencing from Tihar jail,…

23 mins ago

Delhi HC Orders Customs To Stop Seizing Personal Jewellery Of Air Passengers

The Delhi HC directed Customs Department officials not to confiscate old or personal jewellery worn…

28 mins ago

PM Modi Unveils 21-Point Action Plan To Boost BIMSTEC Cooperation At Bangkok Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a 21-point action plan at the BIMSTEC Summit…

2 hours ago

Buddhism In India’s Foreign Policy: PM Modi’s Vision For Global Harmony

PM Modi has been at the forefront of strengthening India’s ties with Buddhist nations, putting…

2 hours ago

6 Surprising Benefits Of Turmeric Milk For Your Health

Turmeric milk, often referred to as 'golden milk', has been a staple in traditional medicine.…

3 hours ago