NEW DELHI, May 1, 2026 — India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah has signaled a tough approach to prevent any outbreak of violence in West Bengal following the announcement of the state assembly election results on May 4.
Party sources say Shah is likely to visit the state soon after the results are declared to review the situation on the ground and ensure that the unrest seen after the 2021 elections is not repeated. He has already announced that central security forces will remain deployed in the state for two months to maintain law and order.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has already visited West Bengal to assess the situation. BJP’s election in-charge Bhupender Yadav is expected in Kolkata on May 2, while party observer Sunil Bansal will hold a series of meetings with local leaders over the coming days.
The BJP leadership has instructed party workers to exercise restraint and avoid any form of violence, including during victory celebrations. The aim, leaders say, is to reinforce the party’s stance against political violence and maintain public confidence.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said the party does not want a repeat of the 2021 incidents, when dozens of workers were reportedly killed, women were assaulted, and many supporters were forced to flee their homes. He added that the party would also request Governor C. V. Ananda Bose to ensure strict security arrangements during the crucial post-result period.
Tensions remain high ahead of the results, with both the BJP and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress trading warnings. Shah has said that those involved in any violence will face strict action, while Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee hinted at large-scale celebrations by party workers.
The aftermath of the 2021 election results saw widespread violence across several districts, including Birbhum, which was among the worst affected. BJP leaders acknowledge the risk of retaliatory attacks and say preventing such escalation will be a major challenge.
They added that whether the party wins or loses, ensuring the safety of its workers will be a key test for Amit Shah, as the BJP seeks to end what it describes as a culture of political violence in West Bengal.
