Kolkata: Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh from Beleghata was struck by an egg while addressing the media outside party chief Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence on Monday. Senior Trinamool leaders present at the spot immediately alerted the police and alleged involvement of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Incident Details
Ghosh had stepped out after one of the near-daily meetings Mamata has been holding with senior party office-bearers. As he walked towards reporters, he was hit from behind by an egg.
MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed that one of the egg-throwers was a BJP supporter. "When Ghosh was leaving Didi's residence and speaking to the press, BJP's goons threw eggs. The police were here but they did nothing. I called up the police commissioner — it has been 25-30 minutes but nobody has come. There is a threat to our lives," he said.
Ghosh's Allegations
Ghosh stated: "I heard that the ‘egg-throwing monkey' was actually a witness for the police during the CID raid on Mamata-di's house. His signature is reportedly on the seizure list. Was he used to conduct a recce? If true, Mamata-di is not safe. There is a sinister plan being hatched around her house. Those who attacked today must be arrested."
Claim of Responsibility
A youth identifying himself as Chandan took responsibility for the attack. "Kunal Ghosh has committed no fewer atrocities against us. He deserved to be hit with eggs," he said before walking away without elaborating on the alleged "atrocities."
Political Reactions
Municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul described the incident as "dim-ocracy at work." "For the last 15 years, Trinamool has trampled democracy under its feet. They are facing the consequences now," she said.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported and a probe is underway.
