From Booth Violence To EVM Row, Bengal Poll Battle Escalates After Voting

Polling in West Bengal may be over, but the political battle is far from settled. From reports of violence on the ground to serious allegations of EVM tampering, the contest between the BJP and the TMC has escalated into a full-blown war over poll credibility. Incidents ranging from the recovery of crude bombs near polling booths in Ketugram to alleged attacks on poll agents in Nadia and clashes in Bhangar have raised fresh concerns about the conduct of the elections. The biggest flashpoint emerged from Falta, where visuals of taped EVM buttons triggered a fierce political confrontation, with both sides accusing each other of manipulation. Tensions also flared in Bhabanipur, where BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari faced protests, leading to police intervention. Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged attempts at fake voting, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has hit back strongly, accusing central forces of intimidation and interference. With over 500 CAPF companies deployed even after polling, questions around the fairness of the election continue to dominate the narrative. As both camps claim victory and trade sharp accusations, the focus now shifts to counting day. Will the results settle the debate, or will the battle over trust spill further onto the streets?