Kolkata: A fresh political storm has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas. The incident triggered a sharp reaction from former Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who claimed that her nephew could have lost his life in the assault and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack.
According to reports, Abhishek Banerjee was visiting families allegedly affected by post-election violence when a large crowd gathered around his convoy. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as protesters allegedly threw eggs, stones and other objects while security personnel struggled to control the situation. Reports also claimed that the TMC leader was physically pushed and roughed up during the confrontation.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of creating an atmosphere of violence in the state. She alleged that the attack was serious enough to threaten Abhishek Banerjee’s life and described it as a dangerous escalation in West Bengal’s already tense political environment. The TMC leadership further claimed that the assault was pre-planned and questioned the absence of adequate police protection at the site.
Abhishek Banerjee, who serves as the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress and represents the Diamond Harbour constituency in Parliament, alleged that the attack was politically motivated. He reportedly stated that stones were thrown at him and claimed that one object struck near his eye during the violence. The TMC leader vowed to pursue legal action and seek accountability for those involved.
The BJP, however, denied all allegations and rejected claims that the party had any role in the incident. Party leaders described the accusations as politically motivated and accused the TMC of attempting to divert attention from larger political issues in the state. The exchange of accusations has further intensified tensions between the two rival parties following the recent political developments in West Bengal.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from opposition leaders across the country. Several political figures condemned the violence and called for a fair investigation into the incident. Concerns have been raised over the growing instances of political confrontations in the state, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Assembly election results.
The Sonarpur episode has once again placed West Bengal’s political climate under national scrutiny, with both the TMC and BJP preparing for a fresh round of political confrontation over the allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the attack on Abhishek Banerjee.
