Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has alleged that he was attacked and injured by supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) outside a police station in West Bengal. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening when Banerjee was leaving the police station after meeting with officials. He claimed that a group of BJP supporters assaulted him, causing injuries to his face and hands.
Details of the Incident
Banerjee, who represents the Diamond Harbour constituency, stated that he was ambushed by around 20 to 25 people outside the police station in the Bishnupur area. He alleged that the attackers were armed with sticks and iron rods. The TMC MP sustained injuries on his forehead and left hand. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment. Banerjee has lodged a formal complaint with the police, naming several BJP leaders and workers. He accused the local police of inaction despite his repeated requests for security.
BJP's Response
The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them baseless. Party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said that Banerjee was trying to divert attention from his own failures and that the TMC was responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. He further claimed that Banerjee had staged the attack to gain sympathy. The BJP also demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a war of words between the two parties. TMC leaders condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the safety of elected representatives and urged the police to ensure a thorough probe. On the other hand, BJP leaders accused the TMC of indulging in political violence to suppress opposition voices. The state has witnessed several clashes between supporters of the two parties in recent months, especially in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Police Investigation
Police have registered a case based on Banerjee's complaint and are examining CCTV footage from the area. Initial reports suggest that the attackers might have been waiting for the MP outside the police station. However, no arrests have been made yet. The police have assured that the investigation will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Additional security has been deployed in the area to prevent any further untoward incidents.
This incident highlights the intense political rivalry in West Bengal, where the TMC and BJP are locked in a bitter contest for dominance. The state has seen a spike in political violence, with both sides accusing each other of instigating trouble. The upcoming elections are expected to further escalate tensions.
