NEW DELHI: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha on Saturday remarked that Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders may find it increasingly difficult to move freely among the public due to what he described as mounting public anger and 'hatred' toward the party. His comments came hours after TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked by a mob during a visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal.
Sinha's Response to the Incident
Reacting to the incident, Sinha stated that Banerjee should reflect on the anger many people in the state feel toward the ruling party. 'Abhishek Banerjee should think about the hatred the people of Bengal have for TMC leaders... These people will not be able to go anywhere in the future. They have caused a lot of trouble to the public... We do not want anyone to take the law into their own hands,' he said.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred when Banerjee, the TMC's national general secretary, visited Sonarpur to meet families affected by alleged post-poll violence. Television footage showed him being escorted through hostile crowds after protesters hurled stones, eggs, and shoes while shouting slogans of 'thief, thief.' The situation quickly turned chaotic, with some members of the crowd allegedly attempting to physically assault the MP. Banerjee was seen wearing a police-issued cricket helmet and had a torn shirt as security personnel and party workers moved him to safety.
According to locals, many of whom were women carrying broomsticks and bamboo sticks, the protest reflected long-standing grievances over alleged extortion, poor civic infrastructure, and what they described as intimidation by TMC-linked groups. Residents also questioned the purpose of Banerjee's visit and raised slogans against him. Despite the confrontation, Banerjee continued on foot to meet the family of Sanju Karmakar, who allegedly died in post-poll violence.
Banerjee's Reaction
'They wanted to kill me. The whole incident has been captured on camera. We will definitely let the high court know about this. We will also let the governor know about this. I will definitely move court,' Banerjee said. Accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack, he added: 'It's all BJP-sponsored. Look what they have done. This is their example of democracy. It hasn't even been a month, and the police are nowhere to be seen. My head was somehow spared; fortunately, I was wearing a helmet. They have torn my clothes and broken my spectacles.'
Political Reactions
The TMC condemned the incident, alleging that BJP supporters were behind the attack and accusing the party of fostering a climate of political violence in the state. The BJP has denied any role in the incident.
