Tension erupts in Cooch Behar during nomination filing; bank shuts, central forces deployed

Tension escalated sharply in Cooch Behar town on Thursday during the nomination filing process, prompting the deployment of police and central forces to restore order. The situation turned volatile when candidates from multiple parties, including the BJP, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and CPI(M), arrived at the District Magistrate’s office to submit their nominations amid a charged political atmosphere.

The flashpoint occurred when TMC candidate Abhijit De Bhowmik, contesting from Cooch Behar South, approached the venue with his supporters and encountered a large gathering of BJP workers. What began as slogan shouting quickly intensified into heated exchanges, with both sides raising counter-slogans, triggering panic in the area and raising concerns over security during the sensitive nomination phase.

The unrest escalated to such an extent that a nearby bank was forced to shut operations as a precautionary measure. Police personnel, along with central forces already deployed in view of the elections, intervened swiftly and managed to bring the situation under control, preventing further escalation.

Incidents of tension and clashes during nomination filing have been reported from multiple districts across the state, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the ongoing electoral process. In Cooch Behar, the confrontation outside the administrative office highlighted the growing friction between rival political groups as candidates formalised their entry into the electoral contest.