Clash erupts between TMC and CPM supporters during Panchayat election campaigning; 7 injured

A conflict broke out between supporters of Dhupugudi Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) over the placement of election campaign posters, resulting in injuries to seven individuals from both parties.

The incident occurred in the Jakikona area of Dhupaguri Badogharia Gram Panchayat.

The clash allegedly occurred when CPM candidates and their supporters were campaigning and were unexpectedly attacked by Trinamool miscreants. Tensions had been brewing since several Trinamool leaders from the area recently joined the CPM, fueling anger among Trinamool workers.

Meanwhile, in another incident, Trinamool-backed miscreants were accused of attempting to kidnap a Congress candidate in Malda. Though the attempt was unsuccessful, houses of Congress leaders and workers were reportedly vandalized in the area. The Congress candidate and around twenty party workers are currently in hiding due to fear for their safety.

Congress candidate Tafajjul Sheikh claimed that the police, instead of providing protection, were pressuring him to withdraw his nomination, even resorting to threats. The Congress workers alleged that the police and Trinamool were collaborating against them.

In response to the accusations, district Trinamool president Abdul Rahim Bakshi dismissed them as baseless, placing blame on the BJP, CPM, and Congress for spreading terror and affirming that the people of the state trust the Trinamool Congress.