Kolkata, April 23: Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday levelled serious allegations against Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists, accusing them of physically attacking BJP candidate Subhendu Sarkar in Kumarganj, South Dinajpur, during the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The incident has sparked a sharp political controversy amid an otherwise high-turnout polling day across the state.

Attack on BJP Candidate in Kumarganj

Speaking to reporters, Sukanta Majumdar confirmed that Subhendu Sarkar, the BJP's candidate from Kumarganj constituency, was targeted by what he described as "Trinamool's hooligans." He stated that as many as four individuals had already been arrested in connection with the assault by the time he addressed the media.

"Our candidate Subhendu Sarkar has been attacked by Trinamool's hooligans. According to the news I have received so far, already four people have been arrested regarding this," Majumdar said.

The Union Minister further demanded that all those involved in the attack be taken into custody, warning that accountability would follow after the election process concludes. "After the elections, we will see how big goons they are," he added sharply.

Security Response and Administration's Role

Majumdar acknowledged that the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) responded swiftly once the incident was reported. He noted that deploying central forces was the administration's responsibility and credited the prompt response of security personnel on the ground.

Despite his criticism of the attack, the BJP leader expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the Election Commission of India and the district administration in managing the situation. He, however, reiterated the demand for the arrest of remaining suspects.

"Nobody could imagine this kind of behaviour from Trinamool Congress people towards a candidate, that too in a district which is usually considered peaceful," Majumdar remarked, underlining the severity of the incident.

Violence Reported in Birbhum and Murshidabad Too

The Kumarganj attack was not an isolated incident. In Birbhum's Labpur constituency, the election agent of BJP candidate Debashish Ojha, identified as Bishwajit Mandal, was allegedly assaulted as well, adding to the BJP's list of grievances on polling day.

Meanwhile, tensions also flared in Murshidabad's Naoda Assembly constituency, where Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir was involved in a confrontation with local TMC leaders near a polling booth. Both sides accused each other of instigating disturbances, further straining the law-and-order situation in the region.

Phase 1 Polling: Scale and Concerns

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections is being conducted across 152 Assembly constituencies spanning 16 districts. Voter turnout has been notably strong in several areas, reflecting high public engagement in the democratic process.

However, the multiple incidents of political violence have raised serious concerns about the safety of candidates, polling agents, and voters. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers across the state, but sporadic clashes between rival political workers continue to emerge.

Political Implications and What Comes Next

The allegations made by Sukanta Majumdar are likely to intensify the BJP-TMC political battle in the days ahead. The BJP is expected to formally lodge complaints with the Election Commission seeking stricter action and enhanced protection for its candidates in subsequent phases.

With polling still underway and results awaited, the incidents in South Dinajpur, Birbhum, and Murshidabad are set to dominate political discourse, and the Election Commission's response will be closely watched as a benchmark for electoral integrity in the remaining phases of the West Bengal elections.