Kolkata, June 1: A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee sustained injuries during a protest programme in the Chanditala area of Hooghly district.
According to reports, a TMC delegation led by Kalyan Banerjee had gathered at Chanditala Police Station to submit a memorandum protesting the arrest of several party workers. During the demonstration, tensions flared outside the police station, leading to a chaotic situation between rival political groups.
Amid the unrest, an object allegedly thrown from the crowd struck Banerjee on the head, leaving him injured. Visuals from the scene reportedly showed the MP bleeding from his head as party workers rushed to assist him. Police and central security forces were subsequently deployed in the area to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Speaking after the incident, Banerjee alleged that supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were responsible for the attack. He claimed that a group of individuals wearing saffron headbands targeted TMC workers and assaulted several party supporters during the protest. The TMC leader further alleged that the incident was part of a broader campaign of political intimidation against his party.
The development comes a day after TMC National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee reportedly faced protests during a public programme, adding to the political tensions in the state.
Reacting to the incident, former West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack in a social media post. She alleged that both Abhishek Banerjee and Kalyan Banerjee had been targeted in politically motivated attacks and accused the BJP of undermining democratic norms.
The BJP, however, strongly denied the allegations. Party leaders rejected claims of involvement in the incident and accused the TMC of attempting to politicise the episode for electoral and political gains.
The incident has intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the clash as both parties continue to trade accusations over the violence.
No arrests in connection with the incident had been officially announced at the time of filing this report.
