Reportedly hundreds of residents, primarily women, staged a massive protest in the Falta constituency of West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district on Saturday, May 2, 2026, alleging severe “threats” and “intimidation” by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
The protest took place two days before the May 4, 2026, counting day, as tension escalated over potential post-poll violence.
Hundreds of villagers, some holding BJP flags, blocked roads in Hasimnagar village, protesting against alleged “arson threats” and warnings of “bloodshed” from local TMC workers.
Protesters accused local Panchayat Pradhan Israfil, a close associate of TMC candidate Jehangir Khan, of threatening that their houses would be “burned” if BJP supporters did not leave the area or if the opposition won.
Due to the severe threats, protesters demanded the permanent presence of central forces to protect them after the results are declared.
After the protest, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in the area, with a CRPF deputy commandant assuring residents of their safety.
However TMC candidate Jehangir Khan dismissed the allegations, claiming the demonstration was a BJP ploy to
“harm the morale” of his supporters and that the women were “deployed” to engineer the arrest of his functionaries.The incident occurred alongside repolling in 15 booths in nearby areas within the Diamond Harbour constituency, ordered by the Election Commission due to earlier irregularities.Synonyms for “threats” in this context include intimidation, coercion, warnings, harassment, and terrorization.
The protest comes as repolling is underway in 15 booths across Magrahat.
News Edit KV Raman
