Post election violence reported across West Bengal after BJP’s victory
Clashes, vandalism, and political accusations emerge as tensions rise following poll results
Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from several parts of West Bengal in the days following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in the state Assembly elections.
According to police, offices of the All India Trinamool Congress were targeted in multiple locations, including parts of Kolkata such as Tollygunge and Kasba, as well as in Baruipur, Kamarhati, Baranagar, Howrah, and Baharampur. The incidents reportedly began on Monday afternoon and continued into Tuesday.
Authorities said mobs allegedly vandalised party offices, set property on fire, and raised slogans during the unrest. Witnesses claimed that chants were heard near polling booths, and groups were seen attacking party workers and damaging offices.
An official from the Election Commission of India said strict action would be taken against those responsible. Reports have been requested from local police to assess the situation and initiate further steps.
The BJP, however, denied involvement in the incidents. Party leader Rahul Sinha suggested the violence could be the result of internal conflicts within rival groups reacting to the election outcome.
In Tollygunge’s Bijoygarh Netajjinagar area, the election office of TMC leader Aroop Biswas was damaged, with visuals showing broken hoardings and scattered materials. In another incident near Ruby Crossing, a group carrying BJP flags reportedly ransacked the office of a local TMC councillor.
The TMC also alleged that its candidate in Udaynarayanpur, Samir Panja, was attacked, calling the incident a sign of what it described as a “violent mindset.” In a separate claim, Maniktala candidate Shreya Pande shared a video showing an injured party worker, alleging he was assaulted after vote counting. She lost the seat to BJP’s Tapas Roy.
Responding to the reports, BJP leader and former Union minister Debashree Chowdhury said such incidents were unacceptable and would be brought under control.
In a strongly worded post on social media, the TMC accused BJP workers of assaulting civilians, including an elderly woman in Alipurduar. The party questioned the role of central forces deployed in the state, alleging they failed to prevent the violence.
Further incidents were reported on Tuesday, including the vandalism of a TMC office linked to leader Jahangir Khan in South 24 Parganas.
The situation remains tense in several areas as authorities monitor developments and political parties continue to trade accusations over the violence.