Post-election violence has erupted across several districts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas, with incidents of arson, clashes and assaults reported. Supporters of rival parties primarily the All India Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation. Police have detained multiple individuals, deployed additional forces, and initiated investigations to restore order. The unrest comes just days before vote counting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, raising concerns over law and order and the potential for further escalation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that a strongroom storing EVMs was opened without proper authorisation in Bidhannagar, escalating tensions a day after similar claims by the All India Trinamool Congress. BJP leaders have lodged a formal complaint with the local Sub-Divisional Officer, according to reports. In response, six officials have been suspended pending investigation. The controversy comes just days before counting in the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, intensifying scrutiny over EVM security. Election authorities have not yet issued a detailed explanation regarding the alleged incident.

The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across South 24 Parganas following complaints of irregularities during the recent West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in 11 booths in Magrahat Paschim and four in Diamond Harbour. The decision follows allegations, primarily by the Bharatiya Janata Party, that EVM buttons were tampered with using tape in parts of Falta, alongside complaints of booth jamming and rigging. The EC is yet to decide on additional booths in Falta as investigations continue into reported violations. (PC: PTI)

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across West Bengal’s Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim constituencies following complaints of irregularities during the April 29 voting. The affected booths include 11 in Magrahat Paschim and 4 in Diamond Harbour, where polling was declared void. Fresh voting will be conducted on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm. The decision comes after reports of violence, alleged EVM tampering, and disruptions at polling stations. West Bengal witnessed a high voter turnout exceeding 90%, though the election process was marred by incidents in certain areas. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. (PC: PTI)

Kolkata Police imposed Section 163 near counting centres in Kolkata after clashes between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers. Gatherings are banned in seven areas. The move follows allegations of EVM tampering by TMC. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal said there is “no scope for wrongdoing” and all strong rooms are sealed. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is “under surveillance”. Officials said strict security is in place before counting. (PC: PTI)

Police have banned gatherings in parts of Kolkata ahead of vote counting on May 4. The move follows clashes between Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party workers near counting centres. Strong rooms storing EVMs have been heavily secured. Extra police and central forces have been deployed. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited a centre and stayed for hours. Officials denied claims of tampering. They said all EVMs are sealed and safe. Authorities said strict steps are needed to maintain peace during counting. (PC: ANI)

Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, said strict vigil is in place at the Bhabanipur strongroom and claimed Mamata Banerjee is “under surveillance” after her late-night visit. He said a BJP polling agent was present to ensure transparency. Security has been increased at Netaji Indoor Stadium ahead of May 4 counting. The Trinamool Congress alleged ballot boxes were opened without authorised representatives and staged protests. The Election Commission denied the claims, saying procedures were followed. TMC leaders Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh raised concerns, while BJP leaders rejected the allegations and accused TMC of spreading misinformation. (PC: HT)

Tension rose in Kolkata after leaders of the Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in over alleged EVM tampering at a counting centre. Leaders claimed CCTV footage showed outsiders “fiddling with ballot papers”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also visited a strongroom and raised concerns over possible malpractice. The Election Commission of India rejected the claims. Officials said staff were only segregating postal ballots as per rules. They added that strongrooms remained secure. Security was increased at key centres ahead of counting on May 4. (PC: The Hindu)

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has flagged as fake a viral document claiming to be an Intelligence Bureau assessment of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The report, titled “Preliminary Assessment of West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026,” has been widely circulated on social media but has not been issued by the Intelligence Bureau, PIB clarified. The fact-check comes amid heightened political tension and competing narratives ahead of counting day. Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed documents, as misinformation could influence public perception during a sensitive electoral process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to closely monitor the situation in West Bengal after the Assembly election results on May 4, amid concerns over possible post-poll violence. The BJP has indicated that central forces will remain deployed for two months to maintain law and order. Party leaders have instructed workers to avoid aggression during celebrations, while also expressing fears of retaliation based on past incidents like the violence following the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021. Meanwhile, both BJP and All India Trinamool Congress leaders have exchanged warnings, raising tensions ahead of the results.