Two Trinamul workers on Monday were attacked and injured in two places in Cooch Behar.
Trinamul blamed the BJP for the attack. The saffron camp blamed factionalism within Mamata Banerjee's party.
On Monday evening, Ajijul Rehman, the husband of Dolly Khatun, a Trinamul candidate contesting in Gitaldaha-I panchayat, was returning home when some persons attacked them at Konamukta village. They beat up Rehman and his associate and fired a bullet that hit Rehman's leg. He is under treatment at the MJN Medical College and Hospital.
Police have arrested three persons in this connection.
A similar incident was reported from Gitaldaha-Atiabari village of Dinhata-I block on Monday night.
Debasish Barman, the husband of Sarmistha Barman Sarkar, the Trinamul candidate for a seat of Boro Atiabari panchayat, was returning home after campaigning. Binoy Barman, a party worker, was with him.
Suddenly, some persons attacked them. Binoy was hit with an axe, which severely injured his neck. Brought to Cooch Behar town for treatment, he is critical.
District Trinamul leaders accused BJP-backed Independents.
“Some Independent candidates, with the BJP’s support, are indulging in violence,” said Parthapratim Roy, Trinamul’s spokesperson in Cooch Behar.
BJP leaders blamed Trinamul infighting.
“Our party is not backing Independents here. Those contesting as Independents are Trinamul workers. These incidents are because of differences among Trinamul lobbies,” said Sukumar Roy, the Cooch Behar BJP president.
Differences among local Trinamul leaders came to the fore in Malda on Monday night, when supporters of the party’s official candidates and rebel Independents clashed in Binodpur, Englishbazar. At least four persons were injured.
Mokbel Mian, a rebel Trinamul activist contesting as Independent, alleged supporters of the official Trinamul candidate made provocative comments.
“As villagers and our supporters protested, they were attacked with sharp weapons. Three of our supporters were injured,” he said.
Trinamul denied the charges. Police detained four persons.