Post-election violence swept through West Bengal on Tuesday, leaving at least four dead and dozens injured after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a historic victory by winning 207 of the 294 assembly seats. The clashes marked a turbulent start to the BJP's first government in the state, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The violence began late Monday and continued into Tuesday across Kolkata and other districts. In Beleghata, Kolkata, TMC poll agent Biswajit Pattanaik was found bleeding at his doorstep and later died; his family alleged he was beaten by rivals. In Nanoor, Birbhum district, TMC worker Abir Sheikh was hacked to death, with his family blaming BJP cadres. BJP workers Madhu Mondal in New Town, North 24 Parganas, and Jadav Bar in Udaynarayanpur also died in related incidents. One police officer was shot in the leg amid the unrest.

TMC offices faced widespread vandalism, with reports of arson in Asansol's Jamuria and Court Mor areas, and saffron painting in Tollygunge, Kasba, Baruipur, Kamarhati, Howrah, and others. Clashes erupted in Kolkata's Topsia and Tiljala, where police arrested 40 people after vandalism. Firing in Sandeshkhali injured three police and two central force personnel.

Mamata Banerjee, who lost her Bhabanipur seat to BJP's Suvendu Adhikari by over 15,000 votes, refused to resign, calling the BJP's win an "immoral victory" obtained through rigging more than 100 seats. She accused BJP workers of "medieval barbarity" and set up a fact-finding committee. TMC spokesman Narendranath Chakraborty said party offices were attacked and two grassroots workers killed.

BJP leaders condemned the violence and urged restraint. State president Samik Bhattacharya reported two BJP workers killed and warned party members against attacks, promising expulsion for violators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for ending the "cycle of violence" and focusing on service without revenge.

Police and the Election Commission responded swiftly. Over 200 were detained in Asansol, and Kolkata deployed 240 Quick Response Teams. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar ordered zero tolerance, with continuous patrols and arrests. Authorities described the situation as under control by Tuesday evening.

The BJP's landslide followed elections on April 23 and 29, with the new government scheduled to take oath on May 9 at Kolkata's Brigade Ground. Despite the win, the unrest highlighted lingering tensions in the politically charged state.