Firing Outside BJP Leader's House in Bengal, 2 Arrested as Tensions Rise Ahead of Vote Counting

Two held after late-night shooting triggers panic in Noapara

A day before the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections, police arrested two individuals after shots were fired outside the residence of a BJP leader in North 24 Parganas district late Saturday night, adding to the already charged political atmosphere across the state.

BJP leader Kundan Singh filed a complaint alleging that unidentified persons opened fire outside his house in the Noapara assembly constituency, according to police officials. The incident caused panic among local residents, though no injuries have been reported.

Based on CCTV footage from the area, police made two arrests by Sunday morning. A senior officer declined to confirm whether the detained individuals were connected to any political party, stating only that investigations were ongoing.

Repolling ordered across 285 Falta booths

The Election Commission of India has ordered fresh polling across all 285 polling stations of the Falta assembly seat in South 24 Parganas district, scheduled for May 21. The decision follows reports of irregularities and violence during the second phase of voting in the constituency.

BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that the "Diamond Harbour model has crumbled" following the EC's order, a remark that drew a sharp response from TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee.

Banerjee throws down the gauntlet

The Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour and Mamata Banerjee's nephew challenged the BJP to field its top candidates against him in Falta. In a post on X, Abhishek Banerjee said it would take "ten lifetimes for the anti-Bengal gang to put a dent in the Diamond Harbour model."

West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar responded by expressing confidence about the repoll, claiming there would be "no rigging, no booth capture, no intimidation" this time.

Allegations fly over strong room access

In a separate development, a TMC worker alleged that a white car bearing the BJP logo and the word "Army" written on its rear was allowed to enter a strong room in Kolkata without proper checking. "How can any car be allowed to enter inside?" the worker asked.

The TMC has also questioned the EC's decision to restrict repolling only to Falta, with party MP Saugata Roy calling the move "unsatisfactory" and "not justified."

Three-layer security for counting day

The Election Commission has announced a three-layer security system for counting centres across West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Mamata Banerjee held a workshop with TMC workers in Purulia on Saturday, instructing party agents to remain alert and not leave counting centres under any circumstances. Meanwhile, BJP candidates across the state visited temples for prayers, and BJP women workers have planned a 24-hour vigilance demonstration outside strong rooms.