Political Tension Turns Deadly In Bengal: 2 BJP Workers And 1 TMC Supporter Killed Amid Clashes

Kolkata: The election results came and Bengal was in flames. BJP got a historic victory, TMC lost badly,   but common people are suffering amidst this political turmoil. By Tuesday night, three people had lost their lives, dozens were injured and there was an atmosphere of tension in many districts. This is the Bengal which burns itself after every election.

How did the BJP worker die in New Town?

BJP worker Madhu Mandal was involved in the victory procession in Kolkata's New Town. Celebration was going on, slogans were being raised and then a debate broke out over something. Within no time the matter escalated into a scuffle and Madhu Mandal was attacked. He was taken to the hospital in a critical condition, but he could not survive. As soon as the news of the death spread, a fire broke out in the area. BJP supporters blocked roads, houses of TMC supporters were pelted with stones. The situation worsened so much that central forces had to be deployed.

Why was TMC worker murdered in Birbhum?

TMC worker Abir Shaikh was hacked to death with sharp weapons in Santoshpur village of Nanoor area of  Birbhum. According to the police, there was a dispute between two groups which turned fatal within a few moments. Abir Shaikh died on the spot, another person is injured. TMC MLA Bidhan Majhi directly pointed the finger at BJP. BJP termed it as nonsense and demanded an impartial investigation. Rhetoric is going on from both sides, but Abir Shaikh's family is only demanding justice.

Why was it so expensive to say 'Jai Shri Ram' in Howrah?

Yadav, a 48-year-old BJP worker, was returning home after celebrating the victory in Udayanarayanpur, Howrah. He was allegedly attacked on the way. The family alleges that they were targeted for raising slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram' and playing gulal. The family is blaming TMC supporters. Police is busy investigating, but tension still persists in the area.

In which areas vandalism and arson took place?

The violence did not stop at just these three incidents. News kept coming from all over Bengal. The election office of former minister Arup Biswas was vandalized in Bijaygarh-Netajinagar of Tollygunge. A mob carrying BJP flags attacked the office of TMC councilor in Ruby Crossing. Lenin's statue was vandalized in the dark of night in Jiaganj, Murshidabad. Reports of arson continued to come from districts like Howrah, North 24 Parganas and Murshidabad.

What allegations are both parties making against each other?

TMC is saying that BJP has set out to burn Bengal as soon as it comes to power. The party wrote on X that "BJP has shown its true colours." BJP's reply is that this is TMC's internal fight which is being imposed on them. BJP State President Sameek Bhattacharya definitely said that violence will not be tolerated and the culprits will be expelled from the party.

What will the Election Commission and central forces do now?

Adopting a tough stance, the Election Commission has decided to keep about 500 companies of central forces deployed in the state for the time being. A complete report has been sought from the local police and action has been assured against the culprits.

But the question is, this is what happens after every election in Bengal – yet nothing changes. No matter who wins, it is the common man who loses his life.