As counting for the West Bengal Assembly elections intensified, multiple districts witnessed violent confrontations between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The clashes broke out at key counting centres, reflecting the charged political atmosphere as early trends showed a decisive lead for the BJP in the state.
One of the first major incidents was reported at the Rastraguru Surendranath counting centre in Barrackpore, located in North 24 Parganas district. Heated arguments between rival party workers quickly escalated into physical scuffles, prompting swift intervention by security personnel deployed at the site. Authorities moved in to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.
Lathi-charge in Cooch Behar’s Dinhata
In the Dinhata area of Cooch Behar district, tensions escalated significantly when groups of BJP and TMC supporters clashed near a counting centre. The situation turned volatile enough for central security forces to resort to a lathi-charge to bring the crowd under control.
Officials confirmed that force was used as a precautionary measure to prevent the confrontation from spiralling into larger violence.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jalpaiguri range, Anjali Singh, reassured that the situation remained under control.
“The situation is peaceful with law and order. There is neither disruption nor anticipation of any disruption. We have the Force ready in case of any situation emerging,” she said, underlining the preparedness of the administration.
Asansol sees vandalism allegations
Similar disturbances were reported from Asansol, where BJP workers allegedly vandalised a TMC booth camp amid rising tensions. The incident occurred close to a counting centre, where rival supporters had gathered as results began to tilt decisively.
Security personnel once again used lathi-charge to disperse the crowd after a scuffle broke out.
Commissioner of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Pranav Kumar, confirmed that authorities had taken note of the incident and were working to identify those responsible.
“The people responsible for the vandalism are being identified,” he stated, indicating that legal action would follow.
Heavy security deployment across state
In view of the volatile situation, authorities deployed heavy security at counting centres across West Bengal. Central forces, state police, and rapid action teams were stationed at sensitive locations to prevent further clashes.
Barricading, restricted entry zones, and continuous surveillance were implemented to ensure that the counting process remained uninterrupted despite sporadic unrest.
Officials emphasised that maintaining law and order during counting was a top priority, especially given the history of political tensions in the state.
High-stakes political moment fuels tensions
The clashes come against the backdrop of a dramatic political shift in West Bengal. According to the latest trends, the BJP is leading in 192 out of 294 seats, putting it on course to form the government, while the TMC is trailing with leads in 95 seats.
The scale of the BJP’s surge has heightened emotions among party workers on both sides, contributing to flashpoints at several counting centres.
Reports note that counting day tensions are not uncommon in closely contested elections, but the magnitude of the political shift this time has intensified reactions on the ground.
Authorities urge restraint
Amid the sporadic violence, officials and law enforcement agencies have appealed to party workers and supporters to maintain peace and respect the democratic process.
Senior police officers reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone found indulging in violence or disrupting the counting process.
With results expected to shape a new political chapter in West Bengal, authorities remain on high alert to ensure that the transition unfolds without further unrest.
