Kolkata, May 6: The Election Commission has directed West Bengal’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Central Armed Police Forces to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards post-election violence. This directive comes in response to reports of violence across various parts of the state following the announcement of election results on Monday evening.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that several of its party offices were vandalized and its workers were assaulted. In the Tollygunge area of South Kolkata, the office of former TMC MLA Arup Biswas was also damaged.
Additionally, a TMC office in the Beleghata area was vandalized, and one worker was beaten. The TMC further claimed that the office of Abhishek Banerjee in Amtala was also attacked by a mob.
Following these incidents, the Election Commission instructed the Chief Secretary, DGP, and CAPF personnel to take strict action and implement a zero-tolerance policy for such occurrences.
This election marks a significant political shift in the state after nearly a decade and a half. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured 207 out of 293 seats, while the TMC’s representation has dropped from 215 seats in 2021 to just 80.
Earlier in the day, Kolkata Police warned of legal action against those spreading fake or inflammatory posts on social media, which could incite unrest in the city. The police stated that the situation in Kolkata is under control and urged residents not to share such posts. This warning was issued as numerous images and videos claiming election-related violence circulated on social media.
Meanwhile, on Monday, several BJP workers and supporters gathered outside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata, chanting slogans. Viral videos showed hundreds of BJP supporters in the Kalighat area near the Chief Minister’s residence shouting “Jai Shri Ram,” “BJP Zindabad,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Police later arrived to disperse the crowd and restore order.
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