Political tensions in West Bengal intensified on Sunday as Trinamool Congress leaders alleged a series of attacks targeting party representatives, a day after TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee was heckled and allegedly assaulted during a visit to Sonarpur.
Fresh controversy erupted in Hooghly’s Chanditala area where TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed he sustained head injuries after being surrounded by BJP supporters while leading a protest outside a police station. The demonstration was organised against the arrest of several TMC workers following the Assembly elections.
Visuals from the protest showed a chaotic scene as supporters and protesters confronted each other outside the police station premises. Following the incident, Kalyan Banerjee continued his protest while receiving assistance from party workers.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee publicly responded to the Sonarpur episode for the first time. Referring to the incident in a social media post, he said, “Today, I stand as a victim of political violence and state-sponsored terrorism unleashed by those who claim to be the guardians of nationalism.”
The Diamond Harbour MP also thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for extending support after the incident. He additionally acknowledged messages of solidarity from Akhilesh Yadav and Hemant Soren.
The Sonarpur incident had triggered widespread political debate after videos surfaced showing a crowd throwing eggs and stones while shouting slogans against the TMC leader. During the confrontation, Abhishek Banerjee was escorted away by aides and security personnel while wearing a protective helmet.
Police officials said multiple arrests were made during overnight operations based on video evidence collected from the area. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify others allegedly involved in the attack.
TMC chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also weighed in on the developments, accusing political opponents of undermining democratic norms and targeting opposition voices.
The BJP, however, distanced itself from the violence. While condemning physical attacks, party leaders argued that the incidents reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s functioning.
The back-to-back confrontations involving two senior TMC MPs have further sharpened the political battle in West Bengal, with both parties trading allegations over responsibility for the unrest.
