TMC, BJP clash during election campaign rally at Pursurah, 10 injured
The Statesman | 13 April 2026
At least ten party workers from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamul Congress (TMC) were injured in a clash during a BJP election rally at Kelepara village in Pursurah on Friday. Both sides have accused each other of instigating the violence.
According to TMC workers, the incident occurred when a BJP campaign rally, led by party candidate and sitting MLA Biman Ghosh, passed in front of the residence of Kelepara panchayat deputy chief Shrikant Malik. They alleged that BJP supporters shouted abusive slogans, and when TMC workers protested, they were attacked with bamboo sticks. The TMC further claimed that women in the household were also assaulted and that around seven of their workers were seriously injured.
The BJP, however, denied the allegations and blamed the TMC for the violence. Party leaders alleged that TMC workers, without any provocation, attempted to block the rally and attacked participants. According to the BJP, more than three of its workers, including women, were seriously injured in the clash.
TMC leader Archana Malik said: “BJP workers from the rally began abusing us in front of our house. When we protested, they attacked us with sticks and bricks. They did not spare the women either.”
Countering the claim, BJP leader Jharna Pandit said: “We were marching peacefully when TMC workers suddenly attacked us without any provocation. Our women workers were also assaulted. We resisted in self-defence.”
Biman Ghosh alleged: “This reflects the dirty political culture of the Trinamool Congress. We have lodged a complaint with the police.”
Police have since been deployed in the area, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Both parties have filed complaints. The incident has further heightened political tensions in the run-up to the Assembly elections.