Kanthi Co-op Bank election sparks chaos: BJP, TMC accuse each other of violence and fraud

The election for the Agriculture and Rural Development Cooperative Bank in Kanthi turned violent on Saturday as workers from the BJP and Trinamool Congress clashed. Allegations of voter intimidation, identity card snatching, and attacks on party camps have further escalated political tensions in the region.

Polling began at 9 AM at Kanthi Agriculture Cooperative Bank, but soon after, chaos erupted near Kanthi Rashtriya Vidyalaya. The BJP alleged that Trinamool supporters forcibly took identity cards from their voters, preventing them from casting their votes. Furthermore, BJP leaders claimed that their camp was attacked, leading to a confrontation between the two groups.

As the situation intensified, workers from both parties engaged in a heated scuffle, prompting police intervention. However, BJP's Kanthi Municipal Councilor Tapas Dalui accused the police of inaction, stating, "Trinamool wants to rig the Samvay Bank election just like the Panchayat and Municipal elections. Despite being a councilor, I was stopped from entering, while Trinamool leaders disrupted voting outside the booth."

Trinamool Congress has denied these allegations and instead blamed the BJP for instigating violence. Local Trinamool leaders claimed that BJP workers deliberately created disturbances as they were sensing an imminent defeat in the Kanthi and Khejuri regions. They further asserted that BJP would suffer a "crushing defeat" in this election as well.

Amid rising tensions, the police were deployed to control the situation, but opposition leaders continue to question the law enforcement's role. No official statements have been released regarding arrests or further action.

This incident adds to the series of violent electoral clashes seen in West Bengal, where local elections have often been marred by accusations of voter suppression and political unrest. Authorities are yet to confirm whether any re-polling will be considered due to the disruptions.