In a prelude to West Bengal’s high-voltage vote counting, rival supporters of TMC and BJP engaged in a brief but tense scuffle outside Bidhannagar’s counting centre in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday.
The altercation began Saturday night with verbal sparring near the strong room, devolving into jostling and counter-slogans before security personnel intervened decisively.
Central paramilitary forces rushed to the spot, backed by Bidhannagar police, who cleared the area and installed barriers to keep factions apart. The situation was brought under control without major injuries or detentions.
Partisan claims flew thick and fast: BJP alleged TMC encroached with unauthorized camps and flags, while TMC accused central forces of unprovoked baton charges—a charge refuted by authorities.
Ahead of Monday’s counting for 293 assembly seats across 77 centres, robust security measures are in place, including heightened vigilance around strong rooms. Bans on celebrations like bursting crackers or victory marches aim to prevent further unrest.
The Election Commission has excluded Falta seat from the count following a repoll order for all its booths due to polling day irregularities on April 29.
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee rallied her agents in a virtual meet, directing them to push for recounts in close contests where BJP edges ahead by 500-700 votes, and to lodge nearby for punctual attendance.
As the two-phase polls conclude, Bengal’s political arena pulses with anticipation, with implications far beyond the 294 seats originally contested.
