Tensions Rise in West Bengal: Clash Between Trinamool Congress and BJP Supporters

Minor Clash Erupts Outside Counting Centre

Kolkata: A minor altercation occurred between supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP outside a counting center in Biddhannagar, located in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, as reported by local police on Sunday.

The conflict began Saturday night when tensions flared in front of the strongroom due to a dispute between party workers. This disagreement quickly escalated into a physical clash, with both sides shouting slogans.

To restore order, a significant number of central forces were deployed to the scene, alongside local police who intervened to separate the rival supporters. Barricades were erected to maintain peace between the two groups.

The BJP accused Trinamool workers of displaying party flags at their camp outside the counting center, which they claim sparked the initial quarrel. Conversely, Trinamool supporters alleged that the central forces used batons against them. Fortunately, the situation was contained without further escalation, thanks to the prompt action of both the central forces and Bidhannagar Police.

In response to the unrest, security measures have been heightened around the strongroom, with strict regulations enforced at all counting centers.

The administration has prohibited fireworks and victory parades outside counting centers on the day of vote counting.

Vote counting for 293 Assembly constituencies, which participated in the two-phase elections, is scheduled for Monday across 77 counting centers in West Bengal.

The Election Commission announced a repoll in all booths of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district due to significant electoral violations during the second phase of voting on April 29. Consequently, votes will be counted for 293 constituencies, excluding Falta.

To enhance security at counting centers, the Election Commission has implemented several measures.

Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee instructed her party's counting agents to request a recount in any booth where the BJP leads by 500 to 700 votes. She also advised her agents to stay overnight in a lodge or hotel to ensure timely arrival at the counting centers on Monday. These directives were communicated during a virtual meeting with agents from all Assembly constituencies.