West Bengal’s political tensions escalated sharply on Sunday after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee alleged that he was attacked by BJP workers near Chanditala Police Station in Hooghly district while on his way to submit a deputation regarding post-poll violence.The incident came amid an already charged political atmosphere following the alleged attack on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee a day earlier in South 24 Parganas.The alleged assault on the Serampore MP triggered strong reactions from the TMC leadership, with former chief minister and party chairperson Mamata Banerjee visiting Kalyan Banerjee at his residence soon after the incident.The latest development has further intensified the political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP, with both sides trading allegations over the violence.
Kalyan Banerjee alleges attack
Kalyan Banerjee alleged that he was attacked outside Chanditala Police Station while heading there to submit a deputation regarding post-poll violence.“To meet with the officer in charge of the Chanditala police station and to give a deputation, while I was coming by car, there was tremendous traffic congestion at Chanditala market. At that time, I was walking with my PSO at Chanditala Crossing. There were 10-15 BJP goons in saffron clothing who suddenly shouted slogans and created a rivalry atmosphere. They were abusing me, but I kept proceeding when a stone was thrown at my head,” Banerjee told reporters. The Serampore parliamentarian sustained a head injury in the incident and was seen holding a cloth to his bleeding head.He described the attack as an attempt on his life and accused the West Bengal Police of failing to intervene.“It has now been two hours, and there was blood on my clothes. I had fallen on the road, and a CRPF personnel came and rescued me, for which I am thankful. However, the Bengal police remained completely silent, a mute spectator, allowing this to happen. A serious condition is prevailing in West Bengal with total lawlessness. This incident was an attempt to murder me. The situation reflects a government led by an autocratic and jealous chief minister who wants to eliminate all TMC leaders opposing them,” he said.Banerjee also said he would pursue legal action over the incident.“They wanted to kill me. The whole incident has been captured on camera. We will definitely let the High Court know about this. We will also let the Governor know about this. I will definitely move to court,” Banerjee said.“You can make my body fall, but my resolve is strong and stronger; the passion and enthusiasm are still there, and this head won’t bow down,” he added.
Mamata Banerjee visits Kalyan Banerjee
Soon after the incident, Mamata Banerjee met Kalyan Banerjee at his residence.According to a statement issued by the TMC, “Today, Mamata Banerjee immediately rushed to see Kalyan Banerjee at his residence after he was attacked by BJP workers.”In another post, Mamata said, “Yesterday, BJP supporters brutally attacked and lynched @AITCofficialLok Sabha Floor Leader @abhishekaitc. The terrifying videos are in the public domain. Today, our Chief Whip in Lok Sabha, @KBanerjee_AITC was also a victim of a planned BJP attack. BJP murdering democracy.”
BJP denies involvement
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said, “Administration will look into them. BJP is not related to assault incidents; the state government won’t let this happen anymore.”
Attack comes a day after Abhishek Banerjee incident
The attack on Kalyan Banerjee came less than 24 hours after Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly assaulted during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district.Abhishek Banerjee had travelled to the area to meet families affected by post-poll violence when he was reportedly targeted with bricks, stones and eggs, sustaining an injury to his eye.Reacting to the incident, the TMC national general secretary alleged that the attack was aimed at intimidating the opposition.West Bengal Police said five people have been arrested in connection with the Sonarpur incident involving Abhishek Banerjee. Officials said all those arrested are local residents.The arrests came amid sharp differences between the two parties over the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the TMC describing it as a planned attack and the BJP dismissing the allegation.
Should the West Bengal government take stronger actions against political violence?
Mamata alleges hospitals were pressured
Mamata Banerjee alleged that hospitals were being pressured not to admit Abhishek Banerjee after the Sonarpur attack.“Those who are in power are threatening all the hospitals and the maximum authorities not to admit Abhishek Banerjee because they don’t want him to be treated… In front of me, the police were threatening. They said you need permission from the BJP party, who will be treated, and who will not. They have become inhuman,” she said after visiting him at Belle Vue Hospital on Saturday.
