In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in West Bengal, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari staged a sit-in protest inside a police station, demanding immediate legal action after his convoy was allegedly attacked. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, has sparked a major controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attempting to muzzle the opposition through violence.
Dharna for Justice Inside Police Station
Suvendu Adhikari, a key BJP figure in the state, launched a protest dharna inside the Chandrakona police station in Paschim Medinipur district. His primary demand was the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the individuals he claims are responsible for attacking his vehicle convoy. Adhikari asserted that he provided the police with specific names of TMC leaders allegedly involved, including the TMC Youth Wing President and a TMC Labour Union leader.
"We are here for justice. The elections aren't far. These people are about to lose. They want to demolish the BJP," Adhikari told ANI. He emphasized his resolve by stating, "I am urging that an FIR should be registered, and these people should be arrested. I will not budge until accountability is enforced."
Details of the Alleged Attack
The confrontation reportedly took place on Saturday night around 8:20 PM on Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur. Adhikari was returning from Purulia when the incident occurred. In a post on social media platform X, he described a "vicious" assault by "TMC goons." He accused the attackers of being emboldened by a "culture of violence and impunity" under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration.
In a serious allegation against the police, Adhikari claimed the attack happened "right in the presence of the Mamata Police," whom he described as "mute spectators." He framed the event not merely as a personal attack but as "an assault on every voice of opposition in West Bengal," signaling the TMC's "desperation" ahead of upcoming elections.
BJP Condemns 'Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery'
The BJP has seized upon the incident to launch a broader critique of the law and order situation in the state. West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya declared that the state is witnessing a "total breakdown of constitutional machinery." He called for immediate intervention by the "custodians of the Constitution" to restore order.
"What is happening in West Bengal is not only the absence of law and order. It tantamounts to the total breakdown of constitutional machinery. The demand of the hour is that the custodians of the Constitution should intervene immediately," Bhattacharya stated in his conversation with ANI. This rhetoric underscores the deepening political rift and sets the stage for a fierce electoral battle, with both parties digging in their heels.
The standoff at the Chandrakona police station highlights the volatile political climate in West Bengal, where clashes between supporters of the ruling party and the opposition have become increasingly frequent. The BJP's strategy of direct confrontation and public dharna aims to keep the spotlight on issues of governance and security as the election cycle approaches.
