Tensions escalated across West Bengal on Tuesday as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged widespread attacks on its offices and workers following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victory. The BJP, however, denied the charges and appealed for calm.
TMC Alleges Vandalism, Arson and Assaults
According to TMC leaders, party offices were vandalised in several areas, including Tollygunge, Kasba, Baruipur, Kamarhati and Baranagar, along with districts like Howrah and Berhampore.
In Beleghata, a local party office was allegedly attacked and block president Pabitra Biswas assaulted. Another office linked to councillor Sushanta Ghosh was also damaged. In the Bijoygarh–Netajinagar area, visuals showed broken hoardings outside an election office of former minister Aroop Biswas.
The party also claimed incidents of arson in Jamuria and Siliguri, while alleging that several candidates were attacked while leaving counting centres.
TMC candidate Samir Panja was reportedly assaulted, while leaders including Raj Chakraborty and Trinankur Bhattacharya were allegedly manhandled and had to be escorted by central forces. Maniktala candidate Shreya Pande also claimed her election agent was attacked.
In a social media post, the TMC accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence. “The BJP has exposed its true face the moment it came to power… This destruction and deliberate attempt to create unrest is the real face of the BJP,” the party said.
BJP Denies Role, Appeals for Peace
The BJP rejected the allegations, with leader Rahul Sinha suggesting the incidents could be due to internal conflicts within the TMC.
He said the situation was not comparable to the violence seen during the 2021 Assembly elections and added that police and central forces were responding promptly.
The party also issued an appeal urging its workers to maintain restraint. “We appeal to all political stakeholders… to refrain from any form of violence or retaliation,” the BJP said, calling for peace and stability in the state.
Interestingly, BJP state president Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged that “some individuals carrying BJP flags” may have been involved in vandalism, but condemned the acts and warned of strict action, including expulsion.
Election Commission Seeks Reports
Amid rising tensions, the Election Commission of India sought detailed reports from local authorities and warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in violence.
State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had earlier cautioned officials against any lapses in security and urged citizens to report threats through official helplines.
Arrest Made, Political Blame Game Intensifies
In a related development, police arrested TMC leader Safiuzzaman Sheikh in Murshidabad’s Nowda area on charges of inciting violence. He is expected to be produced in court.
The developments come amid a sharp political blame game, with both sides accusing each other of intimidation and unrest.
