Amidst the ongoing counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections, reports of widespread violence against Trinamool Congress (TMC) offices have emerged from various parts of the state.
BJP workers and supporters have been accused of carrying out these attacks while the counting process is underway, reports Indian media.
In Kotulpur, Bankura, allegations surfaced of BJP workers climbing onto the roof of a TMC office to hoist their party flag. Further reports indicate that a TMC office in Ward 15 of Baranagar was allegedly occupied, while the ruling party’s office in Jamalpur was reportedly set on fire by the “saffron camp.”
Violence also broke out in Churulia village under the Jamuria constituency, where a TMC party office was vandalised and torched. The TMC has pointed the finger at the BJP for this incident. Additionally, TMC candidates in Beejpur and Noapara were reportedly attacked.
Following these developments, the Election Commission has directed the District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police (CP) to visit the sites and take necessary action.
In the wake of these incidents, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee released a video message, urging candidates and counting agents not to leave their stations. She described the situation as part of a “BJP plan,” noting she had previously warned that early rounds of counting might favour the opposition.
Mamata further alleged that counting had been halted in several locations. She cited discrepancies in seven machines in Kalyani and alleged “vote looting” in SIR.
According to the Chief Minister, the TMC is leading in 70 to 100 seats, but this information is being suppressed. She also accused the BJP of spreading “fake news” through the media and claimed that the state police are operating under the control of Central Forces.
Calling for courage, she told her supporters there was no reason to be disheartened. “TMC will win after sunset,” she stated, predicting a turnaround after 14 to 18 rounds of counting. Urging them to “fight like tiger cubs,” she reassured party workers that she stood firmly by their side.
