Clashes erupt in Bengal's Birbhum dist, BJP candidate comes under attack

Clashes broke out on Thursday between members of two political parties in Birbhum district's Ilambazar area amid voting exercise for last phase of Bengal elections, with BJP's Bolpur candidate Anirban Ganguly having come under attack during melee, an official said.

Activists of rival political outfits hit each or with brickbats and bamboo sticks around 2.30 pm, election official said, adding that at least two persons were injured in clash. Ganguly claimed that "TMC-backed goons" attacked him as he was touring polling booths in Bolpur, and his vehicle suffered dam.

"re was problem anywhere... Polling process was peaceful, until TMC goons arrived and threatened people. y attacked and damd rear windshield of my vehicle. TMC is resorting to such attacks as party is scared of losing elections," Ganguly said.

TMC candidate for constituency and state minister Chandranath Sinha rubbished Ganguly's allegations and said villrs drove him away as BJP candidate was trying to influence voters. "Wherever he (Ganguly) went, people came out in protest as he tried influencing m. He is one who actually attempted to disrupt peace. Polling, orwise, has been very peaceful in Bolpur," he said. Several locals in Illambazar were also seen shouting 'go back' slogans as BJP minee along with his supporters visited area. poll panel, following attack, has increased police protection for Ganguly and sought a report in matter from district authorities in Bolpur.