BJP, TMC clash mars fourth phase polling in WB's Durgapur

Violence marred the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, with clashes reported between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in several areas. In Durgapur, a clash erupted between supporters of the two parties, while in Birbhum, BJP workers alleged that their stall outside a polling station was vandalized by Trinamool Congress workers.

TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar accused BJP workers of attempting to influence voters with the help of central forces. He claimed that BJP was trying to bring polling agents from outside and that central forces were threatening and influencing voters.

"Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, and voters also protested. They are trying to bring polling agents from outside," said Haldar.

 BJP MLA Laxman Ghorui alleged that their polling agents were forcefully ejected from the polling booth at TN School in Durgapur.

"Our polling agents were repeatedly thrown out of the polling booth located at TN School in Durgapur," stated Ghorui. He further elaborated, "TMC goons since 6 am misbehaved with voters and women. The women were crying. When I reached, the presiding officer did not allow me to enter. Only when the press came and after the intervention of the SDO, we are now being allowed to enter."