Political tensions continued to rise in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed he was attacked in Hooghly district on Sunday. The incident occurred just a day after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly heckled and injured during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas.
Kalyan Banerjee had gone to Chanditala Police Station along with other TMC leaders to submit a memorandum protesting the arrest of several party workers following the recent Assembly elections. However, the visit turned chaotic when a group of protesters gathered outside the police station.
Protesters Wave Black Flags
According to reports, a tense situation developed outside Chanditala Police Station when demonstrators waved black flags and shouted slogans against Kalyan Banerjee and other members of the TMC delegation. Protesters allegedly called the leaders "thief" as they arrived at the venue.
Amid the confrontation, Kalyan Banerjee claimed that he was struck on the head and sustained an injury. Visuals from the scene showed him holding a cloth against the back of his head as he spoke to the media.
Kalyan Banerjee Blames BJP Supporters
The TMC leader accused supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of carrying out the attack. He alleged that the incident happened in full view of law enforcement personnel.
"All this happened in front of the police. I was hit on my head, and I am bleeding," he told reporters, blaming supporters of the ruling party for the attack.
Following the incident, the Lok Sabha MP staged a dharna outside the police station. He accused the police of failing to protect him and other TMC leaders. He also asserted that the party would continue protesting against what he called "BJP-sponsored attacks" in the state.
Security Increased in the Area
Authorities deployed a large number of police personnel along with central security forces to prevent the situation from escalating further. Security arrangements were strengthened around the police station and nearby areas to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the BJP rejected the allegations made by the TMC. The party claimed that the protests reflected growing public anger against TMC leaders across West Bengal rather than any organised attack.
Abhishek Banerjee Faced Similar Incident
The latest controversy comes only a day after Abhishek Banerjee reportedly suffered minor injuries during a visit to Sonarpur. He had travelled there to meet families allegedly affected by post-poll violence.
According to the TMC, stones and eggs were thrown at Abhishek during the visit. The party described the incident as a serious attack and even termed it an attempt to murder the Diamond Harbour MP.
Police Action After Sonarpur Incident
Following the Sonarpur episode, police registered a suo motu case and launched an investigation. During overnight operations, officers arrested five people and detained two others in connection with the incident.
The police action came amid growing political tensions between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP, with both parties blaming each other for the violence.
Mamata Banerjee Reacts Strongly
TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the attack on Abhishek Banerjee. She expressed concern over his condition and criticized the situation surrounding his treatment.
“Now people are being denied treatment. Hospitals are under threat... He will undergo treatment at home... If he didn’t wear helmet.... he would have died on the spot.”
Mamata Banerjee also announced that she would personally lead protests against the incidents. She said she would take to the streets on June 2 and lead a rally in central Kolkata.
Political Tensions Continue
The back-to-back incidents involving two senior TMC MPs have further intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal. While the TMC has accused BJP supporters of orchestrating attacks on its leaders, the BJP has denied the allegations and said the protests are a result of public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
With investigations underway and political protests planned in the coming days, the confrontation between the two parties is expected to remain a major issue in the state's political landscape.