BJP–TMC workers clash in Howrah; police resort lathi charge to disperse crowd
Times of India | 26 April 2026
KOLKATA: A clash broke out between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers in West Bengal’s Howrah on Sunday, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
The incident came a day after heightened political tension was reported in the Bhabanipur constituency on Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, the high-stakes political contest in Bhabanipur intensified as supporters of both camps clashed amid back-to-back public meetings addressed by senior leaders. The constituency, represented by chief minister Mamata Banerjee since 2011, has emerged as a key battleground ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
The situation reportedly escalated after Banerjee abruptly ended her speech, alleging disruption caused by loudspeakers at a nearby BJP rally. She later apologised to supporters before leaving the venue.
Rapid Action Force (RAF) and local police personnel intervened, forming a human chain to separate the two sides and prevent the situation from turning violent. Authorities later restored order in the area.