The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp criticism against the West Bengal Police on Sunday, following an alleged assault on the convoy of the party's state leader and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari. The incident has escalated political tensions in the state.
Senior BJP Leaders Condemn Inaction
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed grave concern over the incident. He stated that efforts to file a formal police report were made, but no First Information Report (FIR) was registered despite the attack occurring in the presence of police personnel.
"If even the leader of the opposition is attacked, one can understand the situation," Prasad remarked, highlighting the perceived breakdown of law and order. He also drew parallels to a previous incident where a BJP delegation he led faced obstacles trying to enter Sandeshkhali, a village linked to allegations against TMC-affiliated strongman Shahjahan Sheikh.
"If my security personnel and the central forces had not been there, we would have been unable to enter the village," Prasad added, underscoring the challenges faced by the opposition in the state.
Details of the Alleged Attack
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night in the Paschim Medinipur district. Suvendu Adhikari, a former Trinamool Congress leader who switched to the BJP in December 2020, claimed his convoy was viciously attacked by workers of the ruling TMC.
In a post on social media platform X, Adhikari provided details, stating, "Tonight, around 8:20 pm, while I was returning from Purulia at Chandrakona Road in Paschim Medinipur district, I was viciously attacked by TMC goons." He further accused the police of being mute spectators during the event.
"The TMC’s desperation is showing, resorting to thuggery because they can’t face the heat of the people’s rising anger," his post concluded.
Political Repercussions and MHA Intervention
The fallout from the incident has reached the national level. A state BJP leader revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken cognizance of the matter and has formally requested a detailed report from Adhikari's office.
"The MHA has sought a report regarding the attack. The LoP’s office is preparing a detailed report, which will soon be sent to them," the leader informed the Press Trust of India. This development indicates the potential for central intervention in the state's law and order situation.
The political climate in West Bengal is charged, with the next assembly elections anticipated in April-May 2026. This incident is likely to become a major point of contention between the ruling TMC and the principal opposition BJP in the run-up to the polls.
