ISLAMABAD: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing fresh allegations of post-election intimidation in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders accused BJP-backed groups of burning homes and shops following the party’s historic victory in the state.
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee shared footage on X alleging that “BJP-backed miscreants” had set fire to the homes of party workers in the chief minister’s district, leaving families devastated.
The post added to a growing stream of claims that opposition supporters were being targeted after the BJP’s takeover of the state.
The allegations escalated after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP-linked attackers of torching more than 60 shops at Hijli Sharif in Khejuri’s Nichkasba gram panchayat area in East Midnapore.
UNI reported that the shops belonged to both Hindu and Muslim owners, with Banerjee calling the incident an attempt to spread fear among ordinary people.
The Statesman also reported Banerjee’s accusation that the Khejuri attack was aimed at disrupting Bengal’s social harmony.
The BJP has denied involvement and sought an investigation, while the fire has become a flashpoint in the wider post-poll crisis.
The violence has undercut BJP claims that its victory would bring stability to West Bengal.
Reuters reported that hundreds of people were arrested after post-election violence killed at least three people, including an aide to a senior BJP leader.
The Guardian reported that tensions remained high after more than 200 criminal cases and 433 arrests were recorded amid the unrest.
The violence followed the BJP’s defeat of Mamata Banerjee’s long-ruling TMC, a result that expanded the party’s dominance across much of India.
The spread of arson, political killings and communal fears has cast a harsh light on India’s ruling party and the political climate it has helped create.
.jpg)