A scuffle broke out at the counting centre in Barrackpore's Rastraguru Surendranath college in North 24 Paraganas district during vote counting of the ongoing 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. Security personnel rushed to the spot to bring it under control. Meanwhile, in another incident, clashes erupted between BJP and TMC workers in Dinhata, Cooch Behar. A lathi-charge was carried out by central forces to disperse the crowd.
Security personnel resort to a lathi charge as a scuffle turns into a clash near a counting centre. (ANI Video Grab)
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Speaking to reporters in Cooch Behar, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Jalpaiguri Anjali Singh said, "The situation is peaceful with law and order. There is neither disruption nor anticipation of any disruption - the situation is peaceful. We have the Force ready in case of any situation emerging.”
Outside West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's residence in Kolkata, BJP workers also raised slogans of 'Jai Shree Ram'. The West Bengal CM also alleged irregularities during the vote-counting process, saying that counting had been halted at many places and accusing poll officials and central forces of acting unfairly.
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"Do not lose hearts, we will win after sundown," she said.
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"Do not lose hearts, we will win after sundown," she said.
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"We are ahead by more than 100 seats, which is not being reported. Everything is being reported wrong. The Election Commission is working entirely as per its own will, and central forces are also with them. The police are also working with the central forces," she further added.
On Monday, the BJP crossed the majority mark, derailing Mamata's hopes of a consecutive fourth term.
With this, the BJP is on its way to forming the first-ever government in West Bengal, breaching a state that saw the Trinamool Congress rule for 15 years and the Communists rule for 34 years before that.
After approximately 94 rallies, 13 padayatras, and 4 roadshows, Mamata is facing a major setback in the poll results, as an early lead shows the BJP leading on 192 seats as per EC data at 01:35 pm on Monday, while counting is still underway.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/India News/West Bengal poll results disrupted by clash at Barrackpore counting centre; security forces resort to lathi-charge
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