West Bengal Election 2026: Before the noise of the first phase subsides, clashes in Kolkata, TMC-BJP workers clash in Iqbalpur, 9 arrested

News India Live, Digital Desk: Just before the voting for the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections 2026, the political temperature in Kolkata has reached its peak. On Monday evening, a violent clash broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Iqbalpur area of ​​Kolkata. Today is the last day of the first phase of campaigning and ‘silence period’ is going to be implemented from 5 pm, but this violence that happened just before that has created an atmosphere of panic in the entire area. The police had to use lathi charge and mild force to control the situation. Bloody clash broke out during the campaign. The incident took place at Hussain Shah Road in Iqbalpur, where an election meeting was being organized under the leadership of BJP candidate Rakesh Singh. According to eyewitnesses, TMC supporters protested against the sloganeering by BJP workers during the meeting, after which a heated argument broke out between the two sides. Within no time the dispute escalated so much that pushing and fighting started between the two groups. Local people said that seeing the situation going out of control, the police had to intervene. ‘High voltage’ drama in front of the police station. Shortly after the clash, hundreds of workers of both the parties gathered outside the Iqbalpur police station and started protesting strongly against each other. Seeing the increasing tension outside the police station, the administration completely sealed the road. Heavy deployment of central security forces along with local police has been made to handle the situation. There is still tense peace in the entire area and security forces are continuously patrolling. Police action: 9 arrested, 3 FIR registered. Kolkata Police has taken prompt action in view of the seriousness of the matter. A total of 9 people have been arrested so far in connection with this violence, which includes 5 BJP workers and 4 TMC supporters. Police have registered 3 FIRs against different groups. BJP candidate Rakesh Singh has alleged that he and his workers are being deliberately targeted, while TMC has termed it as ‘intimidation’ politics of BJP. Bengal is ready for the first phase of battle. Let us tell you that under the first phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, voting is to be held on 152 seats on 23 April 2026. In the last phase of the campaign, stalwarts like Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have given their full strength. Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of obstructing the election process and disrupting her programs, while the BJP has raised the issue of corruption and infiltration in Bengal. After the Iqbalpur incident, the Election Commission has given instructions to tighten security in sensitive areas.