Post-election violence has erupted across West Bengal following an electoral victory by Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with reports of killings, arson and clashes between rival political supporters.
At least four people have been killed in unrest since results were announced, according to police and party officials on Wednesday, while Indian media outlets reported continued violence for a second consecutive day, with incidents of arson, vandalism and targeted attacks across multiple districts.
Clashes broke out in several areas, including the state capital Kolkata, where tensions escalated between BJP and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters.
Violence reportedly began during vote counting on Monday and intensified after results confirmed a BJP landslide.
According to The New Indian Express, the body of a TMC worker, identified as Biswajit Pattanayak, was found near his home in Kolkata’s Beliaghata area hours after the results, with his family alleging he was murdered.
Social media videos cited by the outlet showed mobs armed with sticks chasing individuals believed to be TMC supporters.
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In Jamuria, a TMC party office was set ablaze during counting day, The Pioneer reported, as early trends showed the BJP leading.
Clashes were also reported in Asansol and Dinhata, where rival party supporters confronted each other near counting centres, damaging property and vehicles. In some instances, the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) carried out baton charges to disperse crowds.
The TMC has directly accused BJP supporters of orchestrating attacks on its workers and infrastructure.
In a strongly worded statement on X, the party alleged that mobs “went on a rampage” near Kolkata’s New Market area, destroying shops and vandalising a TMC office.
The statement described the incidents as “brazen hooliganism”, accusing BJP cadres of unleashing violence with impunity and claiming central forces were instructed to “stand down”. It further warned that the unrest could escalate beyond political targets, framing the situation as a broader threat to civilians and vulnerable communities.
