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Fresh tension was reported from Murshidabad’s Nowda area on Thursday after an explosion left several people injured.
People wait in a queue to cast their vote. (Image: PTI)
The West Bengal Assembly elections concluded with an impressive voter turnout of 92.03 per cent across the state. Among all constituencies, Raghunathganj recorded the highest turnout at 96.35 per cent, followed closely by Samserganj at 95.89 per cent. Notably, this marks the highest voter participation in West Bengal since Independence.
Fresh tension was reported from Murshidabad’s Nowda area on Thursday after an explosion left several people injured, triggering political unrest during polling hours. Supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and AUJP allegedly confronted each other following the incident. Videos circulating online show AUJP leader Humayun Kabir caught in a heated physical clash with TMC workers.
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The situation further deteriorated after Kabir reached the spot. His visit was followed by another round of confrontation, this time involving party workers and the police. As tempers flared, security personnel had to step in to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. The incidents raised fresh concerns over sporadic disturbances during the voting process.
In a separate incident, BJP leader Subhendu Sarkar alleged that he was assaulted by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers while he was protesting against alleged booth capturing.
Sarkar, who is contesting from the Kumarganj Assembly seat, said he sustained injuries in the incident and that his vehicle was also damaged in his constituency.
PM Modi Holds Roadshow In Howrah, TMC Hits Back Over ‘Vote For Change’ Claim
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday led a large roadshow in Howrah as part of campaigning for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The show of strength came after a day of back-to-back rallies across the state.
While addressing a public meeting in Mathurapur, PM Modi accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of failing women in the state. He later spoke at another rally in Krishnanagar, where he projected growing public support for the BJP.
“There was a voice of change from all sides. Everyone is saying, ‘Paltano Dorkar’ (change is necessary)… A storm of change is sweeping through Bengal… Exactly ten days later, when the votes are counted, I am confident that the lotus will bloom everywhere,” he said.
“I tell the people of Bengal, especially my first-time voters, that this is the time to overthrow Bengal’s ruthless government. It’s the right time. The presence of mothers and sisters here in such large numbers to bless us all is sure to rob the TMC of its sleep,” he added.
Meanwhile, the TMC strongly pushed back against Modi’s claim that high voter turnout in the first phase signalled a desire for change. The party argued that the strong polling figures actually reflect support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said the BJP was misreading the numbers and insisted the turnout pointed towards continued public backing for the ruling party.
“The BJP is trying to misread the massive turnout. This is not a vote for change, but a resounding endorsement of Banerjee’s governance. The people of Bengal have broken the BJP’s backbone in the very first phase, cementing a fourth term for the Mamata Banerjee-led government,” Ghosh said at a press conference.
West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 89.93 per cent till 5 PM in the first phase, with Dakshin Dinajpur district reporting the highest participation at 93.12 per cent.
West Bengal, India, India
April 23, 2026, 18:34 IST
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