Bengal Polls: Trinamool and BJP Workers Clash Outside Bidhannagar Counting Centre

Kolkata (IANS): Police reported a minor clash between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters outside a Bidhannagar counting centre in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Sunday.

The tension erupted Saturday night when a quarrel between workers from both parties escalated from slogans into a physical confrontation. Large contingents of central forces and local police rushed to the scene to disperse the supporters. Authorities eventually separated the rival groups and erected barricades to prevent further violence.

The BJP alleges that Trinamool workers triggered the conflict by placing party flags on a BJP camp outside the centre. Conversely, Trinamool leaders claim central forces lathi-charged their supporters during the scuffle. Intervention by Bidhannagar Police and central forces prevented the situation from escalating further.

Officials have increased security around the strongroom and implemented strict measures at all other counting locations. The administration also banned victory processions and fireworks to maintain order on counting day.

West Bengal will begin counting votes for 293 Assembly constituencies across 77 centres on Monday. This follows a two-phase election across the state. The Election Commission excluded the Falta Assembly constituency from tomorrow’s schedule after ordering a total repoll in all booths due to severe electoral offenses on April 29.

To ensure a smooth process, the Election Commission has tightened security protocols at every counting venue. On Saturday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee instructed Trinamool agents via a virtual meeting to demand immediate recounts in any booth where the BJP leads by 500 to 700 votes. She also directed her agents to stay in nearby lodges tonight to ensure they reach their assigned centres early Monday morning.