'Chor' slogans target Mamata's convoy as clashes erupt between BJP-TMC

Tensions flared across Kolkata on Monday, May 4, as rival supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party clashed near counting centres, turning several areas of the West Bengal capital into virtual battlefields.

The situation escalated when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's convoy arrived at a counting centre set up at the Sakhawat Memorial School. BJP supporters allegedly surrounded her vehicle and raised "Chor, chor" (thief, thief) slogans, leading to a brawl with TMC supporters present at the spot.

Earlier in the morning, large crowds from both parties had gathered outside the counting centre. The security situation was already tense, with the area heavily fortified by central forces. The BJP had lodged a complaint about TMC supporters positioning themselves within 200 metres of the counting centre, and an attempted police dispersal led to further deterioration before Banerjee's arrival.

Soon after, a large procession of BJP supporters arrived at the scene via AJC Bose Road. Clashes broke out, with both sides pelting bricks and stones and vandalising property. A BJP supporter on the scene alleged that their party workers had suffered torture in the past and that they would not remain silent this time.

Tension also spread to the Jagadish Chandra Bose College area, where TMC supporters were seen positioned inside the college premises while a large group of BJP supporters gathered outside with sticks and bamboo poles. Many TMC supporters were seen leaving the area as the situation escalated.

A group of women BJP workers also staged a protest march in front of the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna. The administration has since increased security across the city to prevent further violence.