Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of pursuing a politics of vendetta. In a post on social media platform X, Kharge demanded that both the Union and West Bengal governments ensure the security of all opposition leaders and take immediate steps to prevent such attacks.
Congress demands action
Kharge's remarks came after reports emerged that Banerjee, a prominent TMC leader and nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was allegedly attacked during a public event. The Congress chief did not provide specific details of the incident but expressed solidarity with Banerjee and called for a thorough investigation.
Political reactions
The TMC has accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack, a charge the BJP has denied. The incident has further escalated political tensions in West Bengal, where the TMC and BJP are locked in a fierce rivalry. Several opposition leaders have rallied behind Banerjee, condemning the attack and urging the central government to intervene.
Background
Abhishek Banerjee, a key strategist for the TMC, has been a vocal critic of the BJP-led central government. He has faced multiple legal challenges and alleged harassment from central agencies, which the TMC claims is part of a political witch-hunt. The Congress has previously supported the TMC on similar issues, highlighting a growing opposition unity against the BJP.
Security concerns
Kharge emphasized that the safety of opposition leaders is paramount for the health of India's democracy. He urged the West Bengal government, led by the TMC, to take all necessary measures to protect political figures. The Union government has not yet commented on the allegations.
The incident is likely to intensify the political debate ahead of upcoming elections, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of using state machinery to target rivals. The Congress has called for a bipartisan approach to ensure free and fair political activity across the country.
