Clash Between BJP–TMC Workers Outside Strong Room in Bidhannagar Ahead of Counting, Tension Escalates

Tension escalated in Bidhannagar, located in North 24 Parganas, ahead of vote counting after a clash broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) outside a strong room at Bidhannagar College on Sunday (May 3, 2026).

A large number of workers from both parties had gathered outside the counting center, where ballot boxes were being secured. The situation turned tense as both sides accused each other of malpractice. What began as heated arguments and slogan-shouting soon escalated into a physical altercation.

According to reports, central forces and local police rushed to the spot to control the situation. Security personnel dispersed the crowd and placed barricades to separate supporters of both parties. Following the incident, security around the strong room has been significantly tightened, and strict arrangements have been made at all counting centers.

The BJP alleged that TMC workers triggered the clash by placing their party flags at BJP camps set up outside the counting center. On the other hand, TMC denied the allegations and accused central forces of using excessive force, claiming their workers were lathi-charged.

Despite the brief clash, the situation was brought under control due to timely intervention by security forces and Bidhannagar police, preventing further escalation.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal and TMC chief, had earlier instructed her party’s counting agents to demand recounting in constituencies where the BJP leads by a margin of 500 to 700 votes.

Authorities have already imposed restrictions on bursting firecrackers and taking out victory processions on counting day to maintain law and order.