Four killed in clashes after BJP election victory in West Bengal

Four people have been killed in post-election political violence following the victory of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal state polls, according to police and party officials.

The BJP secured a major win in the eastern Indian state, taking 206 out of 294 assembly seats, marking its first-ever victory in West Bengal, which has a population of over 100 million. The results were officially announced earlier this week.

The state had long been governed by Mamata Banerjee, a prominent critic of Modi and leader of the regional All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), who had served as chief minister since 2011. Banerjee also reportedly lost her seat in the election and has rejected the outcome.

Following the announcement of results, clashes broke out between supporters of rival political parties in Kolkata, the state capital. Police confirmed that violence erupted in several areas, leading to fatalities and injuries.

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The BJP claimed that two of its party workers were killed in the violence, while the TMC stated that two of its members were also beaten to death. Both parties accused each other of instigating attacks on political workers and party offices.

A BJP state leader said the party condemned the violence and maintained that it stands for peace, despite the losses reported by its supporters. Meanwhile, the TMC described the deaths of its workers as “brutal murders” and alleged that several party offices were attacked across the state.

A senior police official confirmed that four people had died in the clashes and also reported that one police officer sustained a gunshot injury to the leg during the unrest.

The BJP’s victory in West Bengal is considered one of its most significant political gains in recent years, expanding its influence beyond its traditional strongholds in northern and central India.

Authorities have increased security in sensitive areas as tensions remain high following the election results.