Election 2024 Phase 1: Over 150 complaints lodged with EC on incidents of violence during polling

• First phase of Lok Sabha 2024 elections begins in West Bengal
• Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri went on polls today and 15.9% voter turnout was seen till 9am
• Over 150 complaints lodged with Election Commission regarding incidents of violence during polling hours

Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri went on polls in the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. Amid phase one polling for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, violence surfaced in West Bengal's Coochbehar.

Reports emerged that TMC workers were allegedly involved in stone-pelting incident in Chandmari village in West Bengal's Cooch Behar to prevent voters from reaching the polling station today. The BJP's booth president suffered injuries during the incident. "Till 9 a.m., voter turnout in Coochbehar is 15.26 percent, while that in Alipurduars and Jalpaiguri is 15.91 percent and 14.13 percent, respectively," an Election Commission official said.

Important points:

• First phase of voting in West Bengal marred by unrest and clashes between Trinamool and BJP supporters.
• Trinamool Block President hospitalized after being injured in clashes; outrage among party members.
• Over 150 complaints lodged with Election Commission regarding incidents of violence during polling hours.
• Commotion reported at Chamta Chorkhana in Sitai block due to clashes over booth occupation by Trinamool and BJP.
• Trinamool accuses BJP worker of assaulting a party member at booth number 201 in Chatra, Bara Dhap.
• Police intervention required to control situation; tension rises over placement of Trinamool tents at polling stations.