Kolkata, March 26 Clashes erupted between BJP and TMC supporters during an election campaign in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, with several police personnel also coming under attack while trying to control the situation.
The incident occurred when BJP candidate from Basanti (SC), Bikash Sardar, was campaigning in the area for the upcoming assembly polls, which will be held in the constituency on April 29, the second and final phase, according to official sources.
Tension escalated after BJP workers allegedly objected to the TMC supporters recording the campaign video, which they were conducting along the roadside, leading to a heated argument that quickly turned into a physical confrontation, the official said.
"As police intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order, the situation turned violent, and some personnel were attacked," the official said.
Sardar claimed, "TMC goons carried out an unprovoked attack on our workers as we were peacefully campaigning in the area. The police were inactive."
However, TMC leaders accused the BJP of instigating the violence.
Eight individuals have been detained in connection with the incident, according to officials, who added that a large police contingent has been deployed in the area.
"The situation is now under control, and further investigation is underway," he added.