File photo NEW DELHI: At least nine people, including members of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), were arrested after a clash broke out outside Ekbalpur Police Station in Kolkata on Monday amid heightened election campaigning.According to Kolkata Police, the violence erupted on Hossain Shah Road during a political programme led by BJP candidate Rakesh Singh. The situation escalated after sloganeering by BJP supporters was met with counter-slogans from TMC workers, triggering a heated confrontation that soon turned violent.Police intervened to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. “Three FIRs have been registered against different groups in connection with the incident,” Kolkata Police said, according to news agency ANI. Officials confirmed that five BJP workers and four TMC workers were taken into custody.Tensions rise ahead of pollingThe incident comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing an intense political contest ahead of the Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.The state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148, is seeing a high-stakes battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, both of which have ramped up campaigning in the final stretch.Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has stepped up her attack on the BJP, alleging attempts to disrupt her campaign. She recently claimed that her flight was deliberately delayed and accused the party of deploying “cherry-picked” officers to create hurdles.Banerjee also alleged that BJP leaders were trying to intimidate TMC workers through false cases and misuse of agencies, urging voters to remain vigilant during polling and counting.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation10 Indian Ships Cross Sensitive Hormuz Stretch As India Engages Iran For SecurityNitish Kumar Was ‘Compromised’, BJP Controlled Him: Rahul Gandhi’s Big Bihar Claim In Tamil NaduPiyush Goyal Slams India-South Korea CEPA, Flags Need To Rewrite ‘Irrational’ Trade DealDelhi High Court Rejects Recusal Plea in Excise Policy Case; Judge Calls It “Catch-22” for HerselfUdhampur Bus Tragedy Kills 21; Political Row Erupts Over I-Pac In Bengal | WatchIndia, Ukraine Security Pact In Works? Zelenskyy Signals Big Move Amid Russia Ukraine WarUnmanned Mine Counter Measure Vessels Take Lead In Demining OperationsIndia-South Korea Mega Deal: PM Modi & Lee Jae Myung Target 50 Billion Trade, Boost Ties123Photostories9 best natural sweetener substitutes for processed sugar5 important questions to ask yourself before getting married: Ankur Warikoo’s timeless marriage advice‘Pushpa: The Rise’ to ‘Jai Bhim’: Most searched South movies onlineGhee vs olive oil for Indians: Which is healthier and how to use both for better daily nutritionShark Tank India judge Namita Thapar’s luxury life: From a Rs 50 crore house to a stunning car collectionManu Bhaker’s Faridabad home blends minimalism with strong roots and emotional depthSimple AC maintenance tips to avoid costly repairs5 cities in India with high rents where housing comes at a premium priceDid Alia Bhatt just front a Pakistani label in silk suits, or is this another viral fashion mix-up? Here’s what we know6 Psychology hacks that actually work123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingManipur EarthquakeHS Result 2026Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls 2026Arvind kejriwal CaseYusuf PathanYogi AdityanathBengaluru Power Supplyh-1b VisasIPL Orange CapCody Rhodes
NEW DELHI: At least nine people, including members of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), were arrested after a clash broke out outside Ekbalpur Police Station in Kolkata on Monday amid heightened election campaigning.According to Kolkata Police, the violence erupted on Hossain Shah Road during a political programme led by BJP candidate Rakesh Singh. The situation escalated after sloganeering by BJP supporters was met with counter-slogans from TMC workers, triggering a heated confrontation that soon turned violent.Police intervened to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. “Three FIRs have been registered against different groups in connection with the incident,” Kolkata Police said, according to news agency ANI. Officials confirmed that five BJP workers and four TMC workers were taken into custody.
Tensions rise ahead of polling
The incident comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing an intense political contest ahead of the Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.The state, which has 294 Assembly seats and a majority mark of 148, is seeing a high-stakes battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, both of which have ramped up campaigning in the final stretch.Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has stepped up her attack on the BJP, alleging attempts to disrupt her campaign. She recently claimed that her flight was deliberately delayed and accused the party of deploying “cherry-picked” officers to create hurdles.Banerjee also alleged that BJP leaders were trying to intimidate TMC workers through false cases and misuse of agencies, urging voters to remain vigilant during polling and counting.
