Two killed as post-poll violence flares across Bengal

The family members of BJP worker Yadav Bor alleged that while he was returning home after poll victory celebrations on Monday, he was dragged away by a group of individuals and attacked with sharp weapons, police said, adding one person has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in parts of the state Tuesday as TMC alleged widespread attacks on its offices and workers following its defeat in the Assembly elections, even as the BJP appealed for calm and denied involvement.

According to TMC sources, party offices in areas including Tollygunge, Kasba, Baruipur, Kamarhati and Baranagar, as well as districts such as Howrah and Berhampore, were vandalised. 

In Beleghata, a local party office was attacked and block president Pabitra Biswas was allegedly assaulted, while the office of councillor Sushanta Ghosh was also damaged. In the Bijoygarh–Netajinagar area, the election office of former minister Aroop Biswas was ransacked, with visuals showing people kicking broken hoardings.

In Jamuria and Siliguri, TMC offices were reportedly set on fire. The party further claimed that its Udaynarayanpur candidate, Samir Panja, was assaulted, and that candidates, including Raj Chakraborty and Trinankur Bhattacharya, were manhandled while leaving counting centres, requiring CAPF escort. Maniktala candidate Shreya Pande also alleged that her election agent was attacked.

The TMC, in a post on social media, accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence. “The BJP has exposed its true face the moment it came to power. In Jalpaiguri Ward 14, BJP-backed miscreants have unleashed vandalism at our Trinamool Congress party office. This destruction and deliberate attempt to create unrest is the real face of the BJP,” it added. 

The BJP, however, rejected the allegations, with leader Rahul Sinha suggesting the incidents could be the result of internal rivalries within the TMC. He added that the situation was not comparable to the violence during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and that the police and central forces are now taking prompt action.

Amid the volatile situation, the BJP directed its workers to avoid provocation, refrain from celebrations near TMC offices, and maintain peace.

On its official X handle, the BJP said, “Yesterday marked a moment of freedom for West Bengal—freedom from corruption, scams, political violence, appeasement politics, and injustice. The voice of the people is clear. This decisive mandate stands for development, dignity, and justice. As citizens of West Bengal, it is now our collective responsibility to ensure the state moves forward on a path of progress, leading once again in industry, literature, cinema, and employment, and becoming truly free from political violence.” 

“We appeal to all political stakeholders across parties to refrain from any form of violence or retaliation. Let us use our energies to build and strengthen our state. Let us work together to shape the West Bengal our forefathers envisioned: a land of freedom, peace, and opportunity for all,” it said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) sought reports from local authorities and warned of strict action against those involved in violence. While no major injuries have been reported, ECI also urged citizens and political workers to use helplines if they feel threatened.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had earlier cautioned officials against any lapses in security. 

In a related development, TMC leader Safiuzzaman Sheikh, alias Habib, was arrested in Murshidabad’s Nowda area on charges of inciting violence. Habib, the nephew of MP Abu Taher Khan, will be produced in court later Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police has appealed to people to stay away from sharing any misinformation

“Several misleading posts are being circulated on social media by falsely linking unrelated videos and photos from other places to Kolkata after the election results. Kolkata Police is closely monitoring such content. Strict legal action is being taken against those spreading misinformation and attempting to disturb public peace. The situation in Kolkata is fully under control. Citizens are requested not to believe or share unverified posts,” read a post by Kolkata on X handle.