Bishu Dhar, a Block TMC President from Dinhata town, said he was attacked by BJP workers after exiting a vote-counting centre [1, 2].
The incident occurs amid rising political tensions in West Bengal as the state conducts its 2026 Assembly elections. Violence between rival political factions often spikes during the counting process, posing a risk to regional stability.
Dhar said the assault took place in Cooch Behar [1, 2]. The attack follows a period of heightened friction between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"I knew the attack would happen," Dhar said [2].
The confrontation happened as the BJP is projected to win the state in the 2026 elections [1, 2]. Such clashes are frequent in the region during high-stakes electoral cycles, reflecting the deep polarization between the two primary parties.
Local authorities have not yet released a formal statement regarding arrests or specific charges filed in connection with the incident. The situation in Cooch Behar remains tense as officials monitor the counting centres to prevent further escalations [1, 2].
“"I knew the attack would happen."”
This incident underscores the volatility of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, where electoral competition often manifests as physical conflict. The targeting of a party official during the vote-counting phase suggests that the transition of power or the confirmation of results remains a flashpoint for political violence in Cooch Behar.
