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TMC-BJP Supporters Clash During Repolling in Bengal's South 24 Parganas, 3 Arrested
Sneha | May 2, 2026 6:41 PM CST

Supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP clashed in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas on Friday during repolling at 15 booths, officials said, with visuals showing chaotic scenes from the area. Repolling was conducted across 11 polling stations in the Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency and four in Diamond Harbour, following orders from the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices. Voting began peacefully in the morning.

Tensions escalated in Falta, where residents staged protests, alleging intimidation and threats by Trinamool workers ahead of the vote counting scheduled for Monday. Some locals claimed they were warned of violence if opposition candidates emerged victorious.

'If BJP Wins TMC Will Carry Out Bloodshed': Protestor

"Trinamool's Israfil Chowkidar has threatened us that if these people win, they will burn our houses and carry out bloodshed," a female resident told news agency ANI.

Another woman who claimed she voted for Trinamool expressed shock that a leader of the same party targeted her. "We voted for Trinamool, yet they attacked us. We want him to be arrested. We need safety for women," she said.

Police Filed Complaint, Say 'Inquiry Underway'

At the clash, Abhishek, Additional SP, told PTI, "A complaint was received and inquiry is underway. I can't say more than that. Three people were arrested and further inquiry is being done."

He also said that the police will not let protesters block the national highway as repolling is currently underway in Diamond Harbour PD and if they block the national highway, it will be cut-off from Kolkata.  

Repolling Underway In 15 Booths

The Election Commission reported that by 2 pm, voter turnout stood at 56.33 per cent in Magrahat Paschim and 54.9 per cent in Diamond Harbour, taking the overall turnout to 55.57 per cent.

Separately, fresh controversy erupted over alleged irregularities in strong rooms storing electronic voting machines (EVMs). The Trinamool Congress lodged a complaint against a returning officer, accusing unauthorised handling of postal ballots, while the BJP alleged that a strong room had been opened without permission, prompting an inquiry.

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