Kolkata Police Clamp Down on Gatherings After Tense Election Counting
The situation in Kolkata's Bhabanipur constituency was intense as the counting of votes began. The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of trying to tamper with electronic voting machines (EVMs), which led to a heated argument between the two parties. The argument turned physical, with workers from both sides shouting slogans and pointing fingers at each other.
The police had to intervene to prevent things from getting out of hand, and they eventually banned gatherings in 7 areas where the votes were being counted.
These areas include Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour Road, Lord Sinha Hall, Pramathesh Barua Sarani, Sahid Kshudiram Bose Road, Judge's Court Road, and Naresh Mitra Sarani (Beltala Road).
The police invoked a special law to impose the ban, which prohibits gatherings of 5 or more people within a 200-meter radius of the strongrooms where the EVMs are stored.
The move was aimed at preventing any further tensions or violence in the area.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also involved in the drama, visiting a strong room at the Shakhawat Memorial counting centre.
She claimed that her party would fight "life and death" if anyone tried to tamper with the EVMs, and accused the BJP of bias.
However, the Election Commission denied these allegations, saying that all strong rooms were sealed and secured in the presence of candidates and observers.
The BJP slammed Banerjee for her visit, calling it "theatrics" and an attempt to influence the counting process.
The situation in West Bengal is being closely watched, with exit polls predicting a close contest between the BJP and the TMC.