West Bengal panchayat polls: Clashes in several districts including Murshidabad, Bankura

On Friday, BJP workers clashed with police in Birbhum district. Meanwhile, senior CPM leader and nine-time party MP Basudeb Acharya was injured in the violence between CPM and TMC workers in Purulia district. Incidents of violence were also reported from Murshidabad.

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TMC and Congress workers clash in Bankura, West Bengal (Express Photo)

In Birbhum’s Nalhati area, BJP workers allegedly attacked the police and hurled crude bombs. In retaliation, police fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Two police personnel were injured in the incident. According to a senior police officer of the district, 25 BJP workers have been arrested till now.

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State BJP leaders and workers had yesterday day organised a sit-in demonstration in front of the Gandhi Statue in Esplanade to protest against the continuous violence across the state over filing of nominations.

Clashes have been reported across the state since filing began on April 3rd. (Express Photo)

The Left Front had also organised a sit-in demonstration outside the office of West Bengal State Election Commission and criticised the constitutional body for remaining inactive in protecting the democracy.

Clashes also broke out between TMC and CPM workers at Nabagram in Murshidabad district. Another clash between ruling party workers and BJP activists was reported at Raghunathganj area.

In Bhangar in South 24 Paraganas, 19 candidates were prevented from filing their nominations allegedly by TMC workers. Several candidates were beaten up at the block development office and several TMC workers were arrested in this regard.