Security forces had to resort to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd in Kolkata's Kalighat area on Tuesday, as workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traded slogans during a visit by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.
Clash Erupts During Suvendu's Visit
As Adhikari arrived in the Kalighat area, a flashpoint locality in Kolkata, rival party workers began shouting slogans, leading to a heated confrontation. Security personnel intervened to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. According to eyewitnesses, the lathi-charge was conducted after verbal exchanges turned aggressive, with both sides refusing to back down.
Adhikari Accuses 'Outsiders' of Poll Influence
Suvendu Adhikari, the BJP's Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, chased the sloganeering crowds and accused them of being "outsiders trying to influence the polls." He alleged that the TMC had brought in individuals from outside the constituency to disrupt the electoral process. "These are not local residents but hired goons to create chaos and intimidate voters," Adhikari stated. He further demanded increased deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in sensitive areas to ensure free and fair elections.
TMC Rebuts Allegations
The TMC dismissed Adhikari's claims, calling them a desperate attempt to divert attention from the BJP's lack of grassroots support. A TMC spokesperson said, "The people of West Bengal have rejected the BJP's divisive politics. Such baseless accusations only expose their frustration." The party also criticized the lathi-charge, accusing the police of acting under political pressure.
Security Concerns Escalate
The incident has heightened security concerns in the state, which is gearing up for the 2026 assembly elections. Political analysts note that confrontations between the two major parties have become more frequent in recent weeks. The BJP has repeatedly called for enhanced CAPF deployment, citing instances of violence and intimidation. The state government, however, has maintained that it is capable of maintaining law and order.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is reviewing security arrangements and is expected to issue fresh guidelines for polling stations identified as vulnerable. With the election date approaching, both parties are intensifying their campaigns, making Kalighat a potential flashpoint in the coming days.
