NEW DELHI: Clashes, allegations of voter intimidation and technical glitches marked a turbulent start to the first phase of voting in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.West Bengal phase 1 polls — Follow live updates The tensions began overnight when crude bombs were allegedly hurled near Shivnagar Primary School, injuring at least one person and sparking panic. One victim told news agency ANI, “I had stepped out yesterday to offer Namaz at around 8 pm… I was standing… two boys came and threw a bomb near my foot. Humayun Kabir’s party workers have done this…”. The violence spilled into polling day on Thursdday. A scuffle broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir as he visited the affected area. Kabir, however dismissed the allegations saying, “In Nowda, Rejinagar and all 22 seats of Murshidabad, peaceful elections are taking place. But in 2 booths of Nowda here, in number 9 and number 10, some incident happened overnight. They snatched the bags of local Police.”In Domkal, several voters alleged they were threatened and prevented from reaching polling stations. Residents in Raipur village claimed armed individuals were present since early morning, creating an atmosphere of fear. The allegations were directed at the ruling TMC, which did not immediately respond. The Election Commission sought a report, and later deployed heavy security, escorting voters to booths as polling resumed.EVM malfunctions delayed or halted voting at multiple booths, including in Beldanga, Samsherganj and Kandi in Murshidabad. Similar issues were reported in Nandigram, Malda, Cooch Behar and Siliguri. Congress candidate Sanjoy Adhikari said, “We have already lodged a complaint… Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues… and there’s no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume.”Polling across 152 constituencies began at 7am, with a voter turnout of 18.76 per cent recorded by 9 am. 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 MediaVideosWest Bengal Poll Violence: Blast In Murshidabad Injures Multiple During VotingVijay Writes To EC Seeking Poll Extension Amid 17.69% Early Turnout In Tamil NaduMassive Poll Day: West Bengal Begins Voting, Tamil Nadu Sees Triangular Showdown“Trail Of Terror Revealed”: India EXPOSES Pak Over Terror Links At Washington EventArmy Chief’s Hawaii Visit Highlights Deepening India-US Military Strategy In Indo-PacificIndia Denies Crypto Scam Claims After Ship Fired Upon in Strait of Hormuz TensionsFormer J&K DGP SP Vaid on Pahalgam Attack, Terrain and Security Challenges In Jammu And KashmirIndia Marks Pahalgam Anniversary With a Strong Message To Terror Outfits & Pak | WatchEC Issues Notice To Kharge Over “Terrorist” Remark On PM Modi After BJP Complaint‘Democracy Cannot Be Jeopardised’: SC Slams Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Interference In ED Raid123Photostories5 emerging Mumbai locations offering affordable sea-view apartments for homebuyersHow to get rid of cockroaches naturally: 10 Proven home remedies that work fastDelhi IRS officer’s daughter’s rape-murder: How accused exploited knowledge of family routine to strikeStomach pain or acidity? Signs your “GERD” could be something more serious, and what to do nextWorld Book Day 2026: 10 quotes by famous people on the joy of reading10 cute baby girl pet names that begin with letter A5 of the most beautiful fish in the world that don’t look realCoachella 2026: 5 bizarre influencer outfits that ruined the festival fashionHow to make South Indian Curd Rice for lunch at homeThe economy-class survival guide: How to be comfortable on a long-haul flight123Hot PicksBengal Election 2026Rahul gandhi rallyBengal election dos and don’tsTamil Nadu pollsSIR ProtestTN election dos and don’tsBank Holidays AprilTop TrendingWest Bengal electionTamil Nadu electionCBSE 10th Second Board Exam ScheduleMalegaon Blast CaseMeerut Blue Drum Murder CaseBareilly Suicide NewsTCS Nashik CaseDelhi Murder NewsMiddle East ConflictIPL Orange Cap
NEW DELHI: Clashes, allegations of voter intimidation and technical glitches marked a turbulent start to the first phase of voting in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.West Bengal phase 1 polls — Follow live updates The tensions began overnight when crude bombs were allegedly hurled near Shivnagar Primary School, injuring at least one person and sparking panic. One victim told news agency ANI, “I had stepped out yesterday to offer Namaz at around 8 pm... I was standing… two boys came and threw a bomb near my foot. Humayun Kabir’s party workers have done this…”. The violence spilled into polling day on Thursdday. A scuffle broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir as he visited the affected area. Kabir, however dismissed the allegations saying, “In Nowda, Rejinagar and all 22 seats of Murshidabad, peaceful elections are taking place. But in 2 booths of Nowda here, in number 9 and number 10, some incident happened overnight. They snatched the bags of local Police.”In Domkal, several voters alleged they were threatened and prevented from reaching polling stations. Residents in Raipur village claimed armed individuals were present since early morning, creating an atmosphere of fear. The allegations were directed at the ruling TMC, which did not immediately respond. The Election Commission sought a report, and later deployed heavy security, escorting voters to booths as polling resumed.EVM malfunctions delayed or halted voting at multiple booths, including in Beldanga, Samsherganj and Kandi in Murshidabad. Similar issues were reported in Nandigram, Malda, Cooch Behar and Siliguri. Congress candidate Sanjoy Adhikari said, “We have already lodged a complaint… Hundreds of voters are already standing in queues… and there’s no EC representative here who can tell us when polls will resume.”Polling across 152 constituencies began at 7am, with a voter turnout of 18.76 per cent recorded by 9 am.
