Post-poll violence erupted across West Bengal despite the BJP’s landslide victory, with reports of arson, vandalism, clashes, and at least one alleged killing. The Trinamool Congress accused BJP cadres of attacking workers and offices in areas like Tollygunge, Kasba, Howrah, and Birbhum, while the BJP denied involvement, blaming internal TMC rivalries. Mamata Banerjee ordered a fact-finding probe as tensions escalated. The Election Commission of India had earlier termed the elections peaceful, but violence intensified after results. The unrest underscores Bengal’s entrenched cycle of electoral violence, raising concerns over law and order despite heavy deployment of central forces.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has won one seat in the West Bengal Assembly, ending its five-year drought. CPI(M) candidate Mostafizur Rahaman defeated Humayun Kabir of the Trinamool Congress in Domkal. He won by 16,296 votes. The party had won zero seats in 2021. This victory removes that record. The Left Front also saw the Indian Secular Front retain one seat. The Left’s support has declined since 2011. However, this result shows a small return for the party in the state. (PC: Facebook)

Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is planning talks with Congress, Left and smaller parties to form a government. TVK won 108 seats but needs 118 for a majority. Sources said the party may reach out soon. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said, “We will take a considered and collective decision.” He added that any move will be in Tamil Nadu’s interest. TVK shocked rivals by defeating the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The party also ended decades of dominance by major regional parties. Talks may decide the next government soon. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said, “We did not fight the BJP, we fought the EC.” She accused the Election Commission of India of helping the Bharatiya Janata Party win. Banerjee claimed she was “kicked, pushed and manhandled” inside a counting centre. She also said vote counting was delayed to favour the BJP. The EC has not replied to these claims. The BJP won 207 seats, while TMC got 80. Banerjee said, “We were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy.” She added opposition parties will now work together. (PC: ANI)

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged she was assaulted by central forces at a counting centre in Bhabanipur, claiming she was “kicked in the belly and backside” and “thrown out”. Addressing a press conference, the Trinamool Congress chief said, “I was kicked in the belly and back… pushed out of the counting station.” She accused CRPF personnel of misconduct and called them “goons”. Mamata refused to accept the election result, alleging large-scale irregularities, and reiterated that she would not resign despite the defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. (PC: India Today)

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday refused to resign after her party’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging the outcome was the result of a “conspiracy” and not the people’s mandate. Addressing a press conference, the Trinamool Congress chief accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of “forcefully capturing” the polls with the help of central forces, and raised concerns over the role of the Election Commission of India. She said the party would challenge the results and continue its political fight, asserting, “We fought like tigers and will bounce back.” 

Actor-politician Vijay may hold talks with Congress and Left parties to form a government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority, sources said. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won 108 seats, below the 118 mark. Sources said TVK could reach out to Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML for support. Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil said the party will take a final decision after consultations. TVK has already elected Vijay as its legislative leader following its strong debut in the state. (PC: India Today)

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as a central figure for the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal after defeating Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur. He had earlier beaten her in Nandigram in 2021. His latest win, by over 15,000 votes, strengthens his position in the party. Adhikari, once a close aide of Banerjee, joined BJP in 2020 after differences within the All India Trinamool Congress. His rise reflects BJP’s growing strength in the state. Party leaders have not announced a chief minister yet, but Adhikari is seen as a strong contender. (PC: NDTV)

In a major setback for the All India Trinamool Congress, chief minister Mamata Banerjee and 21 other ministers lost in the West Bengal elections. Out of 35 ministers, 22 were defeated, showing a sharp loss for the ruling leadership. Several senior leaders, including Aroop Biswas and Bratya Basu, also lost their seats. The defeats cut across key departments like education, housing, and transport. The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a strong win in the state. The results suggest voters rejected not just candidates but the government’s overall leadership and performance across regions. (PC: HT)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is preparing to stake claim to form the government in Tamil Nadu after his party fell short of a majority. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) held a meeting where MLAs elected him as leader and chief ministerial candidate. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar is expected to invite the party to prove its numbers. TVK is exploring outside support but has ruled out alliances with DMK and BJP. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will decide their stand soon.