Kolkata, May 3: A minor clash erupted on Sunday between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside a counting center in Bidhannagar, North 24 Parganas district, according to police reports.
Tension escalated late Saturday night due to a verbal altercation between the workers and supporters of both parties in front of the strong room. The situation quickly turned chaotic with slogans and counter-slogans leading to a physical confrontation.
To control the situation, a large number of central forces were deployed at the scene, and police intervened to disperse the supporters. Subsequently, TMC and BJP workers were separated, and barricades were erected between them.
The BJP alleged that TMC workers had placed party flags at their camp outside the counting center, which sparked the dispute. In contrast, TMC claimed that central forces had charged at them with batons. However, the intervention of central forces and Bidhannagar police prevented further escalation.
Security has been heightened around the strong room, and strict measures have been implemented outside all other counting centers. The administration had already imposed a ban on bursting firecrackers and holding victory processions on counting day.
On Monday, votes will be counted at 77 counting centers for 293 assembly seats, following the two-phase assembly elections in West Bengal. The Election Commission announced on Saturday that re-polling would be conducted at all booths in the Falta assembly constituency due to serious electoral irregularities found during the second phase of voting on April 29. Therefore, votes will be counted for 293 assembly constituencies, excluding Falta.
To enhance security around the counting centers, the Election Commission has taken several measures. Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee instructed her party’s counting agents on Saturday to demand immediate recounts in cases where the BJP leads by 500 to 700 votes. She also advised agents to stay in lodges or hotels on Sunday night to ensure timely arrival at the counting centers on Monday morning, a directive given through a virtual meeting with agents from all assembly constituencies.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
