‘This is fake!’ Kolkata Police shuts down Bengal unrest rumours after election shock

Kolkata: West Bengal witnessed heightened political tension after the Assembly election results delivered a major setback to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, has refused to resign, alleging that the outcome was not a “true public mandate” but the result of a “conspiracy”.

She claimed that the elections were not conducted fairly and accused the BJP of using central forces to influence the process. “No question of me resigning, we were defeated not by public mandate but by conspiracy,” Banerjee said, adding that the party would continue its political fight and challenge the outcome.

Following the results, reports of unrest circulated widely on social media, prompting a swift response from Kolkata Police.

Police dismiss unrest claims as fake news

The Kolkata Police has categorically dismissed several viral claims of large-scale unrest in the city, calling them “fake and misleading”. Authorities said multiple posts falsely linked unrelated videos and images to incidents in Kolkata after the election results.

The police shared examples of such posts, including false claims about army deployment, attacks on political leaders, and widespread violence, and confirmed that all of them were fabricated. Officials also clarified that the situation in Kolkata remains “completely normal” and is under constant monitoring.

They warned that strict legal action would be taken against those spreading misinformation and urged citizens to rely only on verified official sources.

Is post-poll violence escalating on the ground?

Despite the police clarification, reports of isolated violence have emerged from different parts of the state. According to reports cited by PTI, two political workers were killed in separate incidents on Tuesday.

A BJP worker, Madhu Mondal, allegedly died after being attacked during a victory procession in New Town, while a TMC worker, Abir Sheikh, was reportedly killed in Birbhum’s Nanoor area. Authorities are investigating both incidents.

Separately, the Election Commission has directed state officials and central forces to enforce a zero-tolerance approach towards any post-poll violence.

TMC alleges attack on party office

Adding to the political confrontation, the TMC has accused BJP supporters of vandalising its party office near the New Market area. The party alleged that shops were also damaged during what it described as a “bulldozer action”.

In a social media post, the TMC said the BJP’s campaign slogan of “change” had now turned into “bulldozer politics”, accusing its rival of encouraging violence. The BJP has not officially responded to these allegations in the report.

With Mamata Banerjee refusing to step down and opposition parties raising allegations over both the election process and post-poll incidents, West Bengal remains politically volatile. Authorities have increased monitoring, while the Election Commission continues to oversee law-and-order compliance in the state.