Kolkata: A major incident of political violence was reported from West Bengal’s capital Kolkata on Sunday evening after a dispute over the use of microphones and loudspeakers escalated into a violent clash between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident took place in the Sakherbazar–Behala West area, creating panic and chaos in the locality.
According to reports, the situation spiraled out of control when TMC workers allegedly set fire to a temporary stage erected by the BJP for a public meeting, triggering fear among residents and disrupting normal life. The stage was reportedly part of the BJP’s ongoing ‘Parivartan Sankalp Yatra’.
Local sources revealed that the initial argument began over the playing of loudspeakers by a local club. BJP workers alleged that members of the club were affiliated with the TMC and deliberately attempted to obstruct the BJP’s political programme. As tensions rose, supporters from both parties confronted each other, leading to stone-pelting, vandalism, and arson.
The clash highlighted the fragile law-and-order situation amid the already tense pre-election atmosphere in West Bengal. The overlapping of political programmes and loudspeaker usage reportedly worsened the situation, turning a minor dispute into large-scale violence.
While no party appeared to gain politically from the incident, the BJP termed it a serious law-and-order failure and directly blamed the Mamata Banerjee-led state government. On the other hand, the TMC accused the BJP of instigating violence and disrupting communal harmony.
The biggest loss, however, was suffered by local residents and public property, raising serious questions about administrative preparedness and policing. Following the incident, police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot, controlled the fire, and deployed additional security forces in the area.
Police officials stated that an investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. The situation in the area is currently under control, but political tensions continue to simmer.