Nandigram tensions rise as TMC alleges central forces assault voters, seeks action from EC

Tensions escalated in Nandigram ahead of polling after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that central forces personnel assaulted and intimidated villagers. The party claimed that members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) used excessive force in the Kanchanpur area and submitted photographs of injured individuals as evidence, seeking immediate intervention and action against those involved.

According to the complaint, TMC alleged that the CRPF, which operates under the Union Home Ministry led by Amit Shah, was acting in the interest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party claimed that at least four people were injured in the incident, with villagers accusing central forces of assault. Women in the area reportedly took to the streets in protest, further intensifying the situation in the constituency.

Political tensions have been mounting in the region, with both TMC and BJP trading allegations of vandalism and intimidation. While TMC accused BJP workers of tearing down its flags and banners ahead of the polls, BJP rejected the claims and countered that its own materials were targeted by TMC supporters. Security forces, including police and central personnel, were deployed in the area to maintain order as the situation grew increasingly volatile.

In a separate development, Sheikh Habibul Rahman, a local TMC leader and son-in-law of Sheikh Sufian, was arrested on charges of influencing voters. BJP alleged that he distributed money and issued threats to sway votes, while TMC denied the accusations, calling the arrest politically motivated. The high-stakes contest in Nandigram features BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari against TMC candidate Pabitra Kar, with the constituency remaining a politically sensitive battleground since Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lost the seat there in the previous election.