New clashes, arrests in Kolkata after Modi’s rally

KOLKATA: Police made new arrests following clashes and poured thousands of security forces here yesterday as tensions mounted ahead of the final round of voting in India’s marathon election.

Supporters of rightwing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition followers clashed in the eastern metropolis late on Thursday after Modi held a rally there.

It was the second night of street battles between activists of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the regional Trinamool Congress (TMC) this week.

Police said at least 26 arrests were made yesterday over the latest unrest as they bolstered security before tomorrow’s voting.

India’s six-week election ends tomorrow with the seventh round of voting in eight northern states, including West Bengal, where Kolkata is the capital.

With Modi seeking a second term, but scrambling to hold on to his overall majority, the results will be announced on May 23.

Modi’s BJP has been aggressively campaigning in West Bengal, hoping to making gains from the TMC, which controls the state, to make up for losses expected in other states.

An official election observer said there had been more than 300 incidents of poll violence across West Bengal since campaigning started on April 11.

“Kolkata will witness an unprecedented deployment of security forces before Sunday,” the official said.

Tens of thousands of troops and paramilitaries were expected in the city of 4.5 million people during the weekend.

Analysts predict Modi’s party will lose seats this time and could need a coalition to form a new government.