Kaliganj, West Bengal | June 23, 2025 — What began as a tense but routine vote-counting day in West Bengal's Kaliganj Assembly constituency turned into a tragedy when a bomb explosion killed a young girl near a counting centre even as the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) Alifa Ahamed surged ahead in the polls.

The explosion occurred while counting was underway on Monday morning, casting a shadow over the assembly byelection process in the state. Initial reports suggest the bomb may have been planted near the area earlier, and the victim, believed to be a minor, was caught in the blast while playing nearby.

CM Orders Swift Action

Upon receiving news of the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and immediately instructed the police and state intelligence authorities to launch a thorough investigation.

“This is a horrific and unacceptable incident. I have asked the police to act swiftly and ensure those responsible are punished severely. We cannot allow violence to derail democracy,” the CM said in a statement issued from Nabanna, the state secretariat.

A high-level police team has been dispatched to the scene, and bomb disposal squads and forensic experts have been roped in to analyze the explosion's nature and origin. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and the local administration has sealed off the area for security.

Violence Amid Voting: A Recurring Concern

West Bengal has long faced criticism over sporadic violence during elections, and Monday’s incident has revived concerns about poll-related security in rural areas. Though the Election Commission of India (ECI) had deployed central forces and local police, it now faces questions over the effectiveness of ground-level vigilance.

Political parties across the spectrum have condemned the violence:

• TMC leaders termed the blast a "cowardly attempt to disrupt democracy."

• Opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, have demanded a judicial probe, alleging law and order collapse in the state.

Polling Recap: Kaliganj and the Other Four Seats

The by-election in Kaliganj was one of five held across Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab on June 19, 2025. Counting began at 8 a.m. on June 23 amid tight security arrangements.

The seats included:

• Kaliganj (West Bengal)

• Visavadar and Kadi (SC) (Gujarat)

• Nilambur (Kerala)

• Ludhiana West (Punjab)

Kaliganj saw a relatively high voter turnout of 69.89%, the second-highest after Kerala’s Nilambur (73.26%).

TMC’s Alifa Ahamed Maintains Strong Lead

Despite the chaos, the vote count continued, and Trinamool’s Alifa Ahamed is leading by more than 19,000 votes, signaling a strong endorsement of the ruling party’s grassroots strength.

Kaliganj has historically been a TMC bastion, and early trends showed Alifa steadily increasing her lead over rivals from BJP and CPI(M). Sources from the district election office stated that over 70% of votes had been counted by 1:00 p.m., and the TMC’s win seemed inevitable.

“We are confident of winning this seat with a significant margin. The people have shown faith in our development agenda,” said a jubilant local TMC spokesperson.

Condemnations Pour In from Across the Political Spectrum

As news of the girl’s death spread, prominent political leaders reacted sharply:

• BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar alleged that TMC-backed goons may have been involved in planting the bomb, demanding President’s Rule in Bengal.

• Congress’ West Bengal chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also blamed the state’s “inadequate policing.”

• CPIM’s Sujan Chakraborty called the blast “yet another example of lawlessness under the TMC regime.”

The TMC, however, dismissed these allegations as politically motivated, reiterating their call for a fair and full investigation.

Victim’s Family Devastated; Officials Visit Home

The young victim’s family, residents of a village close to the counting centre, were inconsolable. According to local reports, the girl was playing outside their home when the explosion occurred.

Senior district officials, along with social welfare officers, visited the family to offer condolences and initial compensation, although the state government is yet to formally announce any ex-gratia relief package.

Security on High Alert Statewide

Following the incident, the West Bengal Home Department has directed enhanced security deployment in all sensitive locations, especially around the counting centres and political offices.

Police presence in Kaliganj has been ramped up with multiple checkpoints and Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployments to prevent any retaliation or further disturbances.

The Election Commission is also reportedly reviewing its standard operating procedures for bypoll security after the tragedy.

A Grim Reminder Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections

Monday’s violence serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of West Bengal’s electoral politics, especially as the state prepares for its 2026 Assembly elections. Political observers believe the incident could become a major issue in campaign narratives going forward.

“This tragic event not only highlights the urgent need for tighter poll security but also exposes the cracks in political accountability,” said political analyst Subhamoy Gupta.

Conclusion

As Kaliganj's counting wraps up with TMC's Alifa Ahamed poised for victory, the focus has shifted from celebration to grief and accountability. The death of a young girl due to senseless violence has cast a pall over the bypoll results, forcing the state and central agencies to confront growing concerns over security and political conduct during elections.

While justice for the victim remains a top priority, the incident underscores a larger call for introspection—both by the state apparatus and the political parties involved.

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