After vandalism reported, EC orders ‘zero tolerance’ for post-poll violence in West Bengal

Kolkata: After reports of widespread vandalism, arson and clashes across West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has directed the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to enforce “zero tolerance” toward post-poll violence following the 2026 election results.

Incidents were reported from several areas since Monday afternoon, including Tollygunge, Kasba, Baruipur, Kamarhati, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Howrah, Baharampur, Falta and Siliguri. Party offices were allegedly vandalised, pelted with stones and, in some cases, painted saffron overnight.

While no casualties were reported during polling, political parties have reported deaths and injuries in the aftermath, though the figures remain contested.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that two of its workers were killed in separate incidents in Kolkata’s Beleghata and Birbhum’s Nanoor. Party leaders also shared videos of injured workers and damaged property.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said two of its workers were killed in incidents in North 24 Parganas and Howrah.

Both parties have blamed each other for the violence.

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya urged authorities to act firmly against those responsible regardless of political affiliation, while party leader Rahul Sinha rejected the TMC’s allegations and suggested the incidents could stem from internal rivalries within the ruling party.

Political violence has long been associated with elections in West Bengal, with recurring reports of clashes, intimidation and cadre-driven conflicts under successive governments.