According to Kolkata police, violence broke out at Hussain Shah Road during a political event led by BJP candidate Rakesh Singh. After the slogans of the BJP supporters were met with counter-slogans by TMC workers, the situation escalated, triggering a fierce confrontation that soon turned violent.Police intervened to control the situation and prevent further escalation. “Three FIRs have been registered against different groups in connection with the incident,” Kolkata police said, news agency ANI reported. Officials confirmed that five BJP workers and four TMC workers were detained.
Tensions rise ahead of vote
The incident comes at a time when West Bengal is witnessing intense political competition ahead of the assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, and on May 4.A high-stakes battle is unfolding between the ruling TMC and the BJP in the state, which has 294 assembly seats and a majority of 148, with both parties stepping up their campaigning efforts in the final stages.Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stepped up her attack on the BJP, alleging attempts to derail her campaign. She recently claimed her flight was deliberately delayed and accused the party of deploying “hand-picked” officials to create obstacles.Banerjee also alleged that the BJP leaders were trying to intimidate TMC workers through false cases and misuse of institutions, urging voters to remain vigilant during voting and counting of votes.
