TMC-BJP Political Rally Turns Violent in Kolkata's Behala
A political rally in Kolkata's Behala area descended into chaos on Sunday, resulting in a violent clash between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident, which occurred in the Sakherbazar locality, involved arson, vandalism, and significant disruption to traffic on the busy Diamond Harbour Road.
Escalation of Tensions at Sakherbazar Crossing
According to police reports, the confrontation began when BJP workers were preparing for a rally at the Sakherbazar crossing. Tension quickly flared up as Trinamool Congress workers objected to the event. The rally was scheduled to feature Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb, who was set to address supporters from a specially erected stage.
An initial altercation soon escalated into a full-blown scuffle between the two groups. The situation worsened dramatically after allegations emerged that BJP workers had vandalised the nearby office of TMC councillor Sudip Polley, further inflaming passions on the ground.
Stage Set Ablaze After CM Deb's Departure
Later in the evening, the BJP alleged that TMC supporters deliberately set fire to the stage after Chief Minister Biplab Deb had concluded his speech and left the location. The stage was completely gutted in the blaze, with numerous chairs damaged and thick smoke causing panic among bystanders.
A fire engine was promptly dispatched to the spot and managed to bring the flames under control. However, the incident brought vehicular movement on Diamond Harbour Road to a complete standstill for nearly an hour, causing major inconvenience to commuters.
Traffic Diversions and Heavy Police Deployment
To manage the chaotic situation, police authorities implemented extensive traffic diversions. Vehicles were rerouted through alternative routes including James Long Sarani, Motilal Gupta Road, MG Road, and Rammohan Road to ease congestion and ensure public safety.
In response to the violence, TMC MLAs Debashis Kumar and Ratna Chatterjee arrived at the scene to speak with party workers and assess the damage. A heavy police deployment remained in place throughout the night to prevent any further escalation of tensions between the two political factions.
Political Fallout and Public Safety Concerns
This violent episode highlights the intense political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal, particularly in urban areas like Kolkata. The use of arson and vandalism during political events raises serious concerns about public safety and the maintenance of law and order during election seasons.
Local residents expressed frustration over the disruption to their daily lives, with many questioning the ability of political parties to conduct peaceful rallies without resorting to violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing democratic processes when political competition turns confrontational.
