On the first day of voting in West Bengal's assembly elections, violent clashes erupted in Murshidabad district between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) led by Humayun Kabir. Kabir accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the TMC of orchestrating a bribery scheme to undermine his campaign, claiming that 27 candidates from his party were bribed to withdraw from the race, with bribes ranging from ₹9 lakh to ₹30 lakh (approximately $10,800 to $36,400 USD). Tensions escalated as TMC supporters surrounded Kabir's vehicle, leading to confrontations and requiring police intervention. Despite claims of a peaceful voting process by local authorities, the atmosphere remained charged, particularly following a violent incident involving a crude bomb the previous evening. The first phase of the election includes 1,478 candidates competing across 152 constituencies, with results set to be announced on May 4. This election cycle highlights the intense rivalry between the TMC and the BJP, with shifting loyalties among candidates.