Tensions erupted in central Kolkata, West Bengal, India, on May 5, 2026, when bulldozers demolished a Trinamool Congress (TMC) office near Hogg Market, causing panic among local traders and prompting the closure of nearby shops. TMC Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra shared a video of the incident on social media, criticizing the actions as part of a 'parivartan' (change) narrative. Senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien claimed that the demolition was conducted with police permission, alleging that it was a tactic used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their victory celebrations. However, some local residents argued that the structure was illegal. The situation escalated further with reports of post-poll violence, resulting in the deaths of a BJP worker, Madhu Mondal, and a TMC worker, Abir Sheikh, in separate incidents. In response to the violence, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed authorities to arrest those responsible and maintain heightened security in sensitive areas to prevent further unrest.