Bengal poll battle turns volatile in Hooghly: Voter lists torn, booth camps vandalised, central forces driven away
The Statesman | 29 April 2026
The make-or-break West Bengal Assembly election entered a tense phase in Hooghly district on Wednesday, with fresh allegations of booth disruption, clashes between rival party workers, and claims of interference with polling processes, casting a shadow over voting.
In the Chinsurah Assembly constituency, complaints emerged from booths 27 to 29, where local reports alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) camps were dismantled and voter lists torn. There were also claims that party supporters drove away central forces from the vicinity, raising concerns over the security of polling stations and the conduct of free and fair elections.
The situation escalated further in Khanakul, where a clash broke out at Booth No. 147 in Ramchandrapur under Rajhati-1 Panchayat. Tensions reportedly flared between TMC and Indian Secular Front (ISF) supporters over accusations of fake polling agents being deployed inside the booth. The clash briefly disrupted the voting process, prompting intervention by central forces.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders flagged broader concerns about the conduct of the second phase of polling. State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar, who is contesting from the Sreerampur constituency, said reports of disturbances were being received from multiple locations since morning. He claimed the polling process appeared less smooth compared to the first phase and called for immediate steps to restore order.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), deployed to maintain order, moved swiftly to contain the situation. Sub-Inspector Usha of the CRPF said the disturbance was minor and confirmed that polling had resumed without further incident. She added that the all-women 240th Battalion had been stationed in the area to ensure security and smooth conduct of voting.
With 142 constituencies voting in the crucial second phase, sporadic incidents of tension in districts like Hooghly underline the fierce political contest underway, as parties trade allegations and the administration struggles to ensure peaceful polling.