ELECTION UPDATE: EC seeks report after Kumarganj attack on BJP candidate in Bengal polls

Election authorities have sought a detailed report following an alleged attack on a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Kumarganj assembly constituency of South Dinajpur district in West Bengal during ongoing polling. The incident reportedly took place when the candidate was moving between polling booths as part of a ground inspection, during which he claimed that his polling agents had earlier been removed from certain booths and were later re-inducted after his intervention. According to ground inputs, tensions escalated when the candidate and his small security detail were confronted by a group of people, leading to a situation of chaos and alleged physical confrontation. The candidate stated that he was left with minimal security support at the time, and that he was escorted out of the area by a single bodyguard while being surrounded by a crowd. He further alleged that the incident reflected an atmosphere of intimidation aimed at influencing voters and disrupting the polling process. Election Commission officials have taken cognizance of the matter and reportedly sought inputs from district administration authorities. Sources indicate that a comprehensive report has been requested, and strict legal action may be initiated if individuals involved in any unlawful activity are identified through evidence or video footage collected from the site. Meanwhile, political reactions continue to intensify as parties trade allegations over the incident, with contrasting claims regarding responsibility and intent. Security arrangements in the constituency have been reviewed and additional forces are expected to be deployed in sensitive pockets to ensure peaceful continuation of voting. Despite the tension, polling is continuing across the constituency under supervision, with authorities emphasizing that voter participation remains unaffected in most booths. The broader election process across West Bengal and Tamil Nadu remains underway as citizens exercise their franchise in the first phase of voting today.

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