Kolkata, March 21 Supporters of the BJP and TMC clashed in Baranagar in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Saturday over alleged tearing of campaign posters and banners, police said.
The incident took place at the Tobin Road crossing within the constituency, in the presence of BJP candidate Sajal Ghosh and TMC nominee Sayantika Bandyopadhyay.
Central forces and police personnel had difficulty controlling the situation as hundreds of supporters from both sides gathered and came face to face.
Eyewitnesses said slogans were raised by both sides, escalating tension in the area.
Bandyopadhyay alleged that her rival had brought "outsiders and anti-social elements" to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
"Ghosh brought outsiders and anti-socials to Baranagar and tried to disturb the prevailing peaceful law and order situation. They beat up our workers," she told reporters.
"We will not allow that to happen, but we will resist in a peaceful and democratic manner," she said.
Ghosh alleged that TMC supporters, led by Bandyopadhyay, had torn posters and banners put up by the BJP for campaigning and tried to intimidate party supporters.
After an hour of intense drama, the forces managed to persuade both sides to disperse.
Traffic along the busy BT Road-Tobin Road crossing was disrupted for several hours as a result.
