Political Violence Erupts in Kolkata After BJP Event
Supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party engaged in a violent clash in Kolkata's Behala area on Sunday evening, resulting in significant property damage and the burning of a political stage. The incident occurred shortly after former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb addressed a public gathering as part of the BJP's Parivartan Sankalp Yatra campaign in the Sakherbazar locality.
Dispute Over Microphone Volume Sparks Confrontation
According to local residents, the confrontation began over the use of high-volume microphones at a nearby club where a badminton tournament was underway. BJP supporters allegedly complained that loud music from the club was disrupting their political program, leading to demands for the volume to be lowered. This demand quickly escalated into a physical altercation between the two groups.
TMC supporters accused BJP workers of forcibly entering the club, ransacking the premises, and breaking chairs, while BJP supporters claimed TMC activists retaliated by attacking the BJP event venue. Witnesses reported that ruling party supporters reached the BJP program location and set the makeshift stage on fire, though Biplab Deb had already departed from the venue by that time.
Police Intervention and Political Accusations
A large contingent of police personnel was rushed to the spot to bring the volatile situation under control. The incident has sparked a war of words between the two political parties, with leaders from both sides making serious allegations.
TMC MLA Ratna Chatterjee, who visited the scene, stated, "This badminton tournament has been held for nearly 10 years on this very day. I was told that some BJP supporters entered the club and ransacked it and stopped the badminton match. I feel that this was done intentionally by the BJP. But they do not know we will become stronger with such attacks."
In response, BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar posted on social media platform X, alleging that "the Trinamool Congress is using its anti-social criminal gangs to threaten and attack officials" and that workers of opposition parties are being subjected to planned assaults. He claimed that Kolkata Police officials present at the spot took no steps to stop what he described as the "frenzied Trinamool goon brigade."
Broader Political Context in West Bengal
The clash highlights the ongoing political tensions in West Bengal, where the ruling TMC and opposition BJP have been engaged in frequent confrontations. Majumdar's statement further accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's administration of creating a "jungle raj" in the state, claiming the incident proves the ruling party is "gripped by deep fear" and has resorted to terror and violence after losing democratic credibility.
The incident raises concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming elections and the ability of authorities to maintain law and order during political gatherings. Both parties have traded blame for the violence, with each accusing the other of initiating the confrontation and engaging in destructive behavior.
Local authorities are investigating the exact sequence of events that led to the clash and subsequent arson, while political observers note that such incidents reflect the heightened political polarization in the state.
