BJP leader and West Bengal MLA Agnimitra Paul’s vehicle came under attack in Asansol’s Rahmatnagar area, soon after she left a polling booth during voting. The rear windscreen of her Toyota Innova shattered after unidentified persons hurled a stone at the moving car. Paul later filed a complaint at Hirapur Police Station.
Paul said the incident took place shortly after she exited a polling station in Burnpur’s Rahmatnagar locality. She stated that a large stone struck the rear of her vehicle while it was in motion, causing extensive damage to the glass.
Paul alleges an attempt to influence elections
Paul described the incident as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the electoral process. She alleged that such incidents reflect a repeated pattern of intimidation in the area. She confirmed that neither she nor her security personnel suffered injuries. However, her secretary, who was seated at the back, sustained minor injuries due to the impact.
She added that the attack occurred suddenly, just after the vehicle began moving from the booth area. The impact shattered the rear windscreen completely, according to her account.
Complaint filed, campaign continues
Following the incident, Paul approached the Hirapur Police Station and lodged a formal complaint. Despite the attack, she continued her polling day schedule and cast her vote in the first phase of the elections.
She expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in West Bengal, stating that voters were seeking political change. She also said the focus of the election should remain on jobs and development rather than divisive politics.
Sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee
Paul also launched a strong attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of failing in governance and demanding her resignation. She said the election represented a fight for employment, development, and the return of migrant workers who had left the state.
High-stakes contest in industrial stronghold
Paul, who serves as Vice President of the BJP’s West Bengal unit, is contesting from Asansol South in a closely watched electoral battle. She is facing Trinamool Congress leader Tapas Banerjee, a former MLA from the constituency.
The Asansol region forms part of West Bengal’s industrial belt, known for coal, iron, and steel production. The constituency includes Asansol South, Asansol North, Kulti, Raniganj, and Jamuria, making it politically significant.
Statewide polling underway
Elections are being held across 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal. The first phase covers 152 constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats, with thousands of candidates in the fray across the state.
