Tension in Dhupguri ahead of elections as TMC-BJP clash turns violent, protests erupt

Tension gripped Dhupguri in Jalpaiguri district ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections after a violent clash broke out between workers of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday evening. The incident, reported from the Paschim Magurmari area, has intensified political friction in the region, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the violence and carrying out attacks.

According to allegations made by the Trinamool Congress, the clash began in the afternoon when its women workers were engaged in campaign activities and were allegedly stopped by a BJP worker identified as Shivnath Roy. Following the dispute, Ilyas Ali, president of the TMC SC/OBC cell of Dhupguri Rural Block, reached the spot. During the ensuing confrontation, it has been alleged that BJP workers attacked him with sharp weapons, leaving him seriously injured. He was subsequently rushed to a hospital for treatment.

In response to the incident, BJP workers staged a strong protest later in the night. Led by Dhupguri assembly candidate Naresh Chandra Roy, hundreds of party supporters gathered outside the local police station and held a sit-in demonstration. The protesters demanded action over the incident, further escalating tensions in the area as the state prepares for polling.