‘Triple D’ politics in Bengal: BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla slams TMC over ‘dhamkana-darana, drama, diversion’
The Statesman | 4 May 2026
The political atmosphere in West Bengal has become tense ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. Allegations of intimidation, protests by local residents, strict security deployment, and a fresh controversy over election strongrooms have all added to the charged situation. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have traded serious allegations as the state waits for the final results of the assembly elections.
On Sunday, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress, accusing its workers of using intimidation and violence during the election process.
Speaking to ANI, he claimed that TMC workers had repeatedly tried to create fear among voters and the general public.
Poonawalla said that such efforts would not succeed and that democracy would ultimately prevail. He alleged that on several occasions, “goons of TMC” had tried to scare people and influence the electoral environment.
According to him, these actions were aimed at disturbing the democratic process.
He also used what he called a “triple D formula” to describe the party’s approach. He said the three D’s stood for “Dhamkana-Darana” (threatening and intimidating people), “Drama,” and “Diversion.” Then he claimed this was being done to create excuses in advance for an expected defeat.
Poonawalla added that all such tactics would end after May 4.
Tension was also reported from the Falta area of South 24 Parganas district, where local residents held protests on Saturday. The protestors claimed that they were being threatened and intimidated by Trinamool Congress workers ahead of the counting of votes.
Several women joined the protest and raised concerns about safety in their locality. One woman alleged that a local TMC worker had issued direct threats, saying that if certain people won, houses would be burned and violence would follow. She named a person, alleging involvement in the threats.
Another woman said that despite having voted for the ruling party, residents were still being targeted. She demanded action against those responsible and called for better security for women in the area. The protestors insisted that they were living in fear and wanted immediate steps to ensure their safety.
In response to the growing tension, authorities deployed heavy security in sensitive areas of South 24 Parganas, including Falta. Forces from Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were stationed at key locations to maintain order.
An armoured CRPF vehicle was also placed in the area as a precautionary measure.
Officials said that the presence of central forces was necessary due to complaints of tension and the need to ensure that citizens could move safely without fear.
Alongside the political accusations and ground-level tensions, a new controversy emerged involving election strongrooms. The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) filed a complaint against a Returning Officer at the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra.
The allegation stated that there was unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers inside the premises. The centre is currently being used as a strongroom for storing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election materials.
At the same time, officials have increased security at EVM strongrooms and other sensitive locations to ensure that the counting process on May 4 remains smooth and peaceful.