In a fresh wave of pre-poll violence ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP was attacked and a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan was shot in separate incidents on Monday. The attacks have raised concerns about the law and order situation in the state as political parties gear up for the upcoming elections.
TMC MP Attacked in Hooghly
The TMC MP, identified as Bag, was attacked while he was returning from a campaign rally in the Hooghly district. Unidentified assailants reportedly hurled stones and used sharp weapons, leaving the MP injured. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where his condition is stated to be stable. Party workers and local leaders have condemned the attack, alleging that it was politically motivated.
CISF Jawan Shot in Cooch Behar
In a separate incident, a CISF jawan was shot by miscreants in Cooch Behar district. The jawan, who was deployed for election duty, sustained bullet injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. Security forces have launched a search operation to nab the culprits. The attack on a central security personnel has prompted the Election Commission to review security arrangements in the region.
Mamata Banerjee Visits Hospital, Condemns Violence
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the hospital where the TMC MP is being treated. She strongly condemned the attack, stating that the people of Bengal would give a befitting reply to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the elections. Banerjee alleged that the BJP was behind the violence, a charge the BJP has denied. She called for peace and urged the administration to ensure the safety of all political workers.
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
The incidents have sparked a war of words between the TMC and the BJP. The BJP accused the TMC of orchestrating the attacks to create a narrative of victimhood, while the TMC blamed the BJP for the deteriorating law and order. The Election Commission has directed the state police to maintain strict vigilance and has deployed additional paramilitary forces in sensitive areas. The attacks have highlighted the volatile political climate in West Bengal, where elections are often marred by violence.
As the election campaign intensifies, both parties are expected to ramp up their efforts to woo voters. The state goes to polls in phases starting next month, with the results expected in June 2026. The recent violence has cast a shadow over the electoral process, prompting calls for a peaceful and fair election.
