BJP supporters chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’ outside Mamata Banerjee’s house in West Bengal | WATCH

Kolkata: Tensions ran high in West Bengal on Monday as BJP supporters gathered outside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata, raising slogans amid early counting trends that showed the party ahead in several constituencies. 

Videos circulating on social media showed large groups of BJP workers and supporters assembling in the Kalighat area, chanting slogans including ‘Jai Shri Ram’, ‘BJP Zindabad’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ as results began to tilt in favour of the party.

Police later intervened and dispersed the crowd to maintain order, as authorities moved to prevent escalation during the sensitive counting process.

BJP urges workers to avoid provocative celebrations

Ahead of the developments, the BJP leadership had instructed its cadre to maintain restraint during celebrations and avoid gathering outside the homes of Trinamool Congress leaders. Party workers were specifically told not to raise slogans in residential areas and to restrict any celebrations to party offices.

Despite the advisory, some supporters still gathered outside the Chief Minister’s residence, reflecting the charged political atmosphere on counting day.

Early trends boost BJP confidence

Early counting trends suggested a strong performance by the BJP in West Bengal, fuelling speculation within the party that it could be on course to form its first government in the state since Independence. Such an outcome would mark a major political shift, potentially ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule.

Mamata Banerjee flags irregularities and calls for calm

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged her party workers and counting agents to remain present at counting centres, warning against leaving early amid what she described as irregularities in the process.

She alleged that counting had been paused in several areas after only a few rounds and raised concerns over discrepancies in electronic voting machines in certain locations, including Kalyani.

Banerjee also accused central forces of acting in a partisan manner and alleged instances of intimidation and pressure on Trinamool workers in parts of the state.

TMC chief asks to wait for final rounds

Calling for patience, Banerjee said early figures did not reflect the complete picture, noting that many constituencies still had multiple rounds of counting left.

“There is no reason to be disheartened,” she said, urging supporters to remain calm and continue their efforts until the final results were declared. She added that the Trinamool Congress would continue to “fight strongly” and encouraged workers not to lose confidence as counting progressed.