Tension gripped Barrackpore ahead of the start of vote counting, with clashes breaking out between workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress.
The confrontation took place outside Rashtraguru Surendranath College, where counting agents from both parties raised slogans. Trinamool supporters shouted “Joy Bangla,” while BJP workers responded with “Jai Shree Ram,” escalating tensions in the area.
Security Tightened At Counting Centres
The Election Commission of India said counting would begin simultaneously at 77 centres across the state from 8 am.
To ensure smooth conduct, 165 counting observers and 77 police observers have been deployed. While counting observers will oversee the process inside centres to ensure transparency and order, police observers will manage security outside.
Entry into counting centres will be regulated through QR code-based identity cards, and mobile phones have been prohibited.
Clashes Reported At Other Locations
Tension was also reported from other parts of the state, including outside Bidhannagar College in Salt Lake, where BJP and TMC workers allegedly clashed.
In Bardhaman, the Trinamool Congress alleged that CCTV cameras at a strongroom were switched off for over an hour, triggering political controversy.
Mamata Flags Concerns Over Strongroom Security
Amid the rising tension, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns over alleged irregularities.
"I am getting news from various places that load shedding is being done in a planned manner. Such incidents have come to light from Srirampur, Krishnanagar to Ausgram, Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in Kolkata. Load shedding is being done repeatedly, CCTV is being switched off and vehicles are moving in the strong room. I am keeping an eye on everything overnight. You also stay awake at night and guard the people's votes in the strong room," she said in a post on X, appealing to party workers.
Counting Across Bengal Today
North 24 Parganas has the highest number of counting centres, with eight centres handling votes for 33 seats. South 24 Parganas has six centres for 30 seats, while five centres have been set up for 11 constituencies in Kolkata.
With results expected later in the day, authorities remain on high alert as political tensions continue to simmer across the state.
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