TMC chief Mamata Banerjee led a sit-in protest and march in Kolkata's Rani Rashmoni Avenue and Esplanade area over alleged attacks on party leaders, including her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, despite police reportedly denying permission for the demonstration. Addressing supporters, Mamata challenged the BJP to arrest her if it wished and said she would take the protest to Delhi if not allowed to demonstrate in Kolkata.
Allegations of Rigging and Intimidation
She alleged that vote counting in 177 of West Bengal's 294 Assembly seats had been manipulated and claimed that TMC leaders and MLAs were being threatened by the police. Mamata further alleged that she possessed recordings linked to an alleged attack attempt on Abhishek Banerjee. TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee accused authorities of intimidation, misuse of police machinery, attacks on party workers, forced displacement of supporters, and obstruction of political activities across the state.
Mamata's Challenge to BJP
Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing the party of conspiring against the TMC and attempting to destabilize the state government. She asserted that the people of West Bengal would not tolerate any undemocratic actions and vowed to continue her protest until the central government addresses the alleged irregularities. The TMC chief also criticized the police for what she described as a partisan approach, claiming that law enforcement agencies were acting under the direction of the ruling party at the center.
Background of the Protest
The demonstration took place amid rising tensions between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. Abhishek Banerjee, who is seen as a key leader in the party, has been at the center of several controversies, with the TMC alleging that the BJP is using central agencies to target him. Mamata's sit-in protest was intended to highlight what she termed as a pattern of harassment and violence against TMC workers. Despite the police denying permission for the march, Mamata led a large gathering of supporters, underscoring her determination to challenge the BJP's tactics.
