Political violence continues in Bengal, BJP candidate Ashok Dinda targeted during poll campaign

New Delhi: In yet disturbing incidence of violence in poll-bound West Bengal, former cricketer and BJP candidate Ashok Dinda was attacked by miscreants in Midnapore district on Tuesday.

Ashok Dinda is BJP candidate from Purba Medinipur seat of West Bengal. The assault during campaign comes just 2 days ahead of the 2nd phase of polling in state.

Dinda was attacked by unidentified youths around 4.30 pm while he was returning from a roadshow in his constituency. It was reported that his SUV was attacked by hundreds of goons carrying lathi and rods.

গণতন্ত্রকে প্রহসনে পরিণত করেছে দিদির সরকার।@BJP4India @BJP4Bengal pic.twitter.com/CezTDb3uED

— Ashoke Dinda (@dindaashoke) March 30, 2021

Pictures tweeted by news agency ANI showed the rear windscreen of the SUV in which Dinda was campaigning hit by a stone. The stone along with shards of glass could also be seen scattered on the rear seat of the vehicle.

West Bengal: Former cricketer and BJP candidate from Moyna, Ashok Dinda attacked by unidentified people in Moyna. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/wxu6mT335v

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

The back side of the car was also damaged in the incident. PTI reported that the former cricketer received injuries on his shoulder.

Dinda challenging sitting TMC MLA

Dinda is fighting against ruling party Trinamool Congress’ Sangram Kumar Dolai who has been a sitting legislator since 2016. Congress candidate Manik Bhowmik is also in the fray for the seat.

In February this year, Dinda was inducted into the BJP, almost three weeks after he brought down curtains on his cricket career having played for Goa in his last domestic appearance.