Bishu Dhar, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) block president, was attacked by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers at a counting centre on Monday [1].

The incident underscores the volatile security environment in West Bengal as political factions clash ahead of the state Assembly elections. Such confrontations at sensitive locations like counting centres threaten the stability of the electoral process.

The attack occurred at the exit of the Dinhata College counting centre in Dinhata Town, located within the Cooch Behar district [1, 2]. According to reports, BJP workers confronted TMC supporters, leading to a violent encounter that targeted Dhar [1, 2].

"Clash erupted between BJP and TMC workers at the counting centre in Dinhata College," ANI said [2].

Local reports indicate that the assault was brutal. Dhar suggested the violence was expected given the current political climate. "I knew this attack would happen," Dhar said [1].

The violence took place on May 4, 2026 [2]. This escalation follows a period of rising tensions between the two primary political parties in the region, a trend that has seen frequent skirmishes between grassroots workers.

Authorities in Cooch Behar are monitoring the situation as tensions remain high in Dinhata Town. The clash highlights the ongoing struggle for territorial and political dominance in the district as both parties mobilize for the upcoming elections [1].

“"I knew this attack would happen."”

The assault on a block-level leader at a designated counting centre indicates a breakdown in security protocols at critical electoral sites. This event suggests that political rivalry in Cooch Behar has shifted from verbal campaigning to physical confrontation, potentially influencing voter behavior and increasing the likelihood of further electoral violence during the West Bengal Assembly elections.