Kolkata: A minor clash broke out between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters outside the counting centre in Biddhannagar, North 24 Parganas, on Saturday night, police said on Sunday.
According to officials, tension flared in front of the strongroom after a quarrel erupted between workers and supporters of the two parties. Slogans and counter slogans gave way to a brief scuffle, prompting central forces and local police to rush to the spot. The crowd was dispersed, the rival groups were separated, and barricades were erected between Trinamool and BJP camps.
The BJP alleged that Trinamool workers had hoisted party flags at a makeshift camp they had set up outside the counting centre, which triggered the argument. Trinamool, in turn, claimed that central forces had lathi charged its workers. However, the situation did not spiral further, as both central forces and Bidhannagar Police ensured restraint.
Security has been stepped up around the strongroom and outside all other counting centres in West Bengal. The administration has also banned fireworks and victory processions near counting venues on the day of counting.
Counting for 293 Assembly constituencies—polls held in two phases—will be conducted on Monday across 77 centres in the state. The Election Commission announced repolling in all booths of the Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas after detecting serious electoral violations during the second phase voting on April 29, which is why votes will be counted in 293 seats, excluding Falta.
The Commission has also tightened security and monitoring measures at and around counting centres. On Saturday, Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee had directed party counting agents to immediately demand a recount in booths where the BJP leads by 500 to 700 votes. She also asked agents to stay overnight in nearby lodges or hotels so they can reach counting centres early on Monday, issuing these instructions during a virtual meeting with all constituencies.
(Inputs from IANS)