Bengal Violence Highlights: Will reopen all files of post-poll violence under TMC, says Suvendu Adhikari

Following a historic shift in the West Bengal political landscape, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission for overseeing what he described as a peaceful electoral process. Speaking after the declaration of the 2026 Assembly election results, Adhikari noted that many citizens in Bhabanipur, who had been previously unable to exercise their franchise, were finally able to cast their mandates this time.

Adhikari took a sharp jab at the outgoing Chief Minister, asserting that Mamata Banerjee has become "irrelevant" in Bengal politics following her defeat in her own stronghold. Highlighting the improved security situation, he pointed out that no major violence occurred during this cycle compared to the unrest seen in previous years. Vowing a strict stance on accountability, the BJP leader further announced that the new administration intends to reopen all files related to post-poll violence reported during the TMC regime to ensure justice for affected victims.

The Bengal BJP unit on Wednesday said that the party would not allow any attempt by the Trinamool Congress goons to impersonate its workers and mislead people to create disorder.

"It has come to our notice that elements of the Trinamool's so-called "Gunda Vahini" are attempting to impersonate BJP workers to mislead people and create disorder.
Let it be stated unequivocally: the BJP will not tolerate such deception. Anyone found engaging in impersonation, intimidation, or taking the law into their own hands will face strict legal consequences. The full force of the law will be brought to bear against these criminal elements. The people of Bengal have given a decisive mandate for change. The era where criminality and governance went hand in hand is over. The incoming government is committed to restoring rule of law, ensuring accountability, and protecting every citizen without fear or favour. There will be zero tolerance for violence, intimidation, or political masquerading. Law will prevail," the party wrote. 

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her Bhabanipur seat while retaining Nandigram in one of Bengal's most politically significant electoral victories, on Wednesday said he would vacate one of the two constituencies within 10 days, leaving the final decision on which seat to retain to the party's leadership.

Standing in Nandigram, which he often describes as his political "bhadrasan" (citadel), Adhikari struck a careful balance between sentiment and party discipline, signalling both his emotional attachment to the constituency in Purba Medinipur district and the political significance of his victory in Kolkata's Bhabanipur.

"I will vacate one seat within 10 days. The party will decide which one I retain. Whatever my personal opinion may be, I will convey that to the leadership. I will not forget my responsibility towards the people of Bhabanipur and Nandigram," he told supporters.

The statement came amid intense speculation over whether Adhikari would retain Nandigram, the epicentre of the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement that transformed him into a mass leader, or hold on to Bhabanipur, where he handed Banerjee a stunning defeat in what had long been considered her safest political pocket borough.

Trinamool Congress leader and MLA from Beleghata Kunal Ghosh slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission for the alleged incidents of post-poll violence in Bengal. 

"It is in the hands of the Election Commission now, it is their responsibility. The BJP is launching attacks, a gang is on the loose. The statements givem by their leaders and what is happening on the ground are very different. People are dying, and party officers are being captured. This is not good for democracy. In 2011, Mamata didi had said that we do not want 'badla' but 'badlav'. Not even one CPI(M) office was attacked...Planned attacks are being carried out on TMC. This is not right...Our next steps will be as per the instructions of our party chief Mamata," he told ANI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold a key party meeting on May 8, a day before the oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place. 

Talking about the development, Samik Bhattacharya told ANI, "The legislative party meeting will be held here on 8th May at 4 pm. Union Home Minister and Odisha CM Mohan Majhi will be present here. Leader of the Legislative Party will be elected. Syama Prasad's government is going to be formed at 10 am on 9th May on the soil of Syama Prasad. PM, HM, Defence Minister, Health Minister, our national president and CMs of 20 states will be present there. It will take place at Brigade Parade Ground. Renowned people from society, like Padma awardees, sportspersons and cricketers will be invited by us," he said. 

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of indulging in post-poll violence and said the party will act against "illegal attempts" to incite clashes. "The BJP won't become 'TMC'. We will act against illegal attempts to incite clashes," Bhattacharya said.

The newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs arrived at the residence of Mamata Banerjee for a meeting. 

The combined forces of the Kolkata Police and Special Protection Groups (SPG) inspected the historic Brigade Parade ground where BJP's oath taking ceremony will be held.

The new BJP government will take the oath on May 9 in Kolkata's Brigade Ground at 10 am. 

West Bengal BJP Chief Samik Bhattacharya will meet the state chief secretary Dushyant Nariala today.

Amid rising post-poll tensions in different parts of Asansol over the last two days, where several Trinamool Congress party offices were vandalised and set on fire, the district administration, police, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have launched a joint crackdown to restore normalcy.

Addressing a joint press conference on Wednesday, Asansol Durgapur Police Commissioner Pranab Kumar, District Magistrate S. Poonambalam, and CAPF District Coordinator Sunil Kumar Singh made it clear that there will be zero tolerance towards any form of violence in the post-election period.

The Police Commissioner informed that over 200 people have already been detained in connection with incidents of arson, vandalism and clashes reported from various areas. Multiple cases have been registered, and further arrests are likely.

He stated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in violence, and warned that attempts to alter the status quo of political offices, administrative buildings or religious places will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

District Magistrate S. Poonambalam said that while the election process in the district was conducted peacefully, maintaining the same level of peace in the post-poll phase is now the top priority, in line with directives from the Election Commission of India. He reiterated that any attempt to disrupt law and order will invite stringent action.

To control the situation, joint deployment of police and CAPF personnel has been intensified across sensitive areas. A joint control room has also been set up to monitor developments round the clock, with senior officials supervising operations on the ground.

CAPF coordinator Sunil Kumar Singh emphasised that polling was conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner, and appealed to the public to maintain the same discipline now. He urged people to refrain from violence, vandalism and arson, and cooperate with the administration.

Authorities have also asked citizens to report any untoward incidents by dialling 100 or 112, or contacting the nearest police station.

The administration has issued a strong appeal to all sections of society to maintain peace and harmony, warning that any attempt to disturb normalcy will be dealt with firmly.

(Inputs from Anil Giri)

BJP leader Jagadambika Pal, on Wednesday, said that Mamata Banerjee had insulted the mandate in Bengal by not being willing to offer resignation. 

"I will not resign, I did not lose, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal says, “If Mamata Banerjee is refusing to resign, it is an insult to the mandate of the people of Bengal… The people who talk about the Constitution should also have knowledge about Article 172. It states that the tenure of the state’s Assembly is limited to 5 years, after which it gets dissolved… Article 164 gives the right to the Governor to appoint the CM of the state… Her refusal shows that she does not trust the democracy," he said. 

Outgoing Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Banerjee, will meet Trinamool Congress MLAs today.

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav is set to visit West Bengal tomorrow. He will meet the outgoing Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and offer moral support amid Trinamool Congress's debacle in the West Bengal assembly polls. 

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee said in a press conference that the INDIA alliance leaders offered her moral support and extended their solidarity after the poll loss.

Through a post on X, Kolkata Police said that unidentified miscreants created a ruckus in Kolkata's Topsia area on Tuesday evening; however, the police soon intervened and brought the situation under control. 

"Yesterday evening, a law and order problem arose in parts of Topsia and Tiljala under the South-East Division, during which certain miscreants vandalised public property etc. Prompt and effective intervention by the local police brought the situation under control immediately. Strict legal action has been initiated in connection with the incident. Two cases have been registered at Tiljala and Topsia Police Stations under relevant provisions of the BNS, PDPP Act, and WBMPO Act. So far, 40 accused persons have been arrested. The situation is fully under control and adequate police deployment remains in place in the affected areas. Citizens are advised not to believe or circulate fake news, rumours, or inflammatory content on social media. Strict legal action will be taken against rumour mongers and anyone attempting to disturb public peace and harmony," police said. 

The two police booths that were set up outside TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence were seen without any police personnel two days after the BJP assumed power in Bengal. 

Talking about the incident, a local told ANI, "There used to be 300–350 policemen here just for an MP... Look at the situation now, the atmosphere is calm. People can walk on the roads, but earlier we used to have trouble. This is Abhishek Banerjee's house. He has built such a big building, but he hasn't done anything for us. He used to threaten us, but people are living peacefully now. We are in a very good situation right now. The change that has been brought is a very good thing. The security here has improved."

At least three people have died in post-election violence across West Bengal so far. The first incident was reported from Beleghata in Kolkata, where Trinamool Congress worker Vishwajit Patnaik was allegedly murdered on the night of May 4, with the party blaming BJP workers. On Tuesday, another Trinamool worker was reportedly killed in Nanoor in Birbhum, while a BJP worker died in New Town, North 24 Parganas. Police said factional rivalry led to the Nanoor killing, and that the BJP worker in New Town died of a heart attack during a heated altercation between rival party workers. However, both the Trinamool Congress and the BJP have traded blame over all three incidents.

(Inputs by Anupam Mishra)

Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand said polling remained peaceful and urged citizens to maintain calm. Around 80 people have been arrested and several arms recovered. A joint control room with CAPF has been set up. Police deployed 240 QRT teams and 40 motorcycle patrols. Victory processions require permission, while heavy earth-moving machines are banned, with strict legal action warned against violators.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that Uddhav Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi have spoken with Mamata Banerjee after the West Bengal results. He said several INDIA bloc leaders reached out and pledged continued support. "We will now have to struggle harder," he said, adding the alliance stands firmly with her. Raut also cited Gandhi’s remark that celebrating her loss would amount to celebrating a defeat of democracy and the country.

-ANI

P Sandosh Kumar accused the Election Commission of India of manipulating the West Bengal Assembly Elections, alleging it acted as a “coalition partner” of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He termed the outcome a “serious threat to democracy,” claiming the BJP was “purchasing victory” across states.

-ANI