NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kalyan Banerjee on Sunday was allegedly attacked near Chanditala Police Station in West Bengal's Hooghly district when he arrived to submit a deputation regarding post-poll violence in the area.
According to the video, he can be seen lying on the ground surrounded by several people while speaking on a phone.The protest was launched shortly after the alleged attack, with Banerjee and TMC workers gathering near the police station and raising slogans.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Banerjee alleged that BJP workers attacked him while he was on his way to the police station."I was coming alone; there was no one with me. BJP members used abusive language and hit me on the head with a deuce ball.
My head is bleeding... Now people will decide whether it is right or wrong that MPs are being continuously targeted," Banerjee said.
Tension erupted outside Chanditala Police Station as a group of protesters waved black flags at Banerjee and members of the TMC delegation. Protesters also shouted 'thief, thief' slogans at the Serampore MP and other party leaders.Banerjee alleged that he was struck on the head during the protest and was seen holding a cloth to the back of his head.
"All this happened in front of the police. I was hit on my head, and I am bleeding," he told reporters, accusing BJP supporters of being behind the attack.The Lok Sabha MP later staged a dharna outside the police station, alleging police inaction and asserting that the TMC would continue protesting against what he described as 'BJP-sponsored attacks'.
'This was an attempt to murder me': Kalyan Banerjee alleges attack by BJP workers
Describing the sequence of events, Banerjee said he was on his way to submit a deputation to the officer in charge of Chanditala Police Station when the incident took place."I was on my way to meet with the officer in charge of the Chanditala police station and to give deputation, while I was coming by car, there was tremendous traffic congestion at Chanditala market. At that time, I was walking with my PSO at Chanditala Crossing, which is 50 kilometres from Chanditala Police Station," he said.The TMC MP alleged that a group of BJP supporters confronted him and created a hostile atmosphere."There were 10-15 BJP goons in saffron clothing who suddenly shouted slogans and created a rivalry atmosphere. They were abusing me, but I was proceeding when a stone was thrown at my head," Banerjee claimed.He further alleged that he was injured in the attack and had to be rescued by a CRPF personnel."It has now been two hours, and there was blood on my clothes. I had fallen on the road, and a CRPF personnel came and rescued me, for which I am thankful," he said.
Targeting the state administration, Banerjee accused the police of failing to intervene and termed the incident an attempt on his life."However, the Bengal police remained completely silent, a mute spectator, allowing this to happen. A serious condition is prevailing in West Bengal with total lawlessness. This incident was an attempt to murder me," he alleged.The TMC leader also launched a political attack on the state government, claiming opposition leaders were being targeted."The situation reflects a government led by an autocratic and jealous chief minister who wants to eliminate all TMC leaders opposing them," Banerjee said.
'Democracy under attack': TMC alleges BJP-backed assault on Kalyan Banerjee
Reacting to the incident, the Trinamool Congress alleged that the attack on Kalyan Banerjee was part of a continuing pattern of post-poll violence targeting party leaders.In a statement on X, the party claimed that the Serampore MP was attacked while on his way to submit a deputation at Chanditala Police Station."Less than 24 hours after the attack on Abhishek Banerjee yesterday, Shri Kalyan Banerjee was attacked today while on his way to submit a deputation at Chanditala Police Station. He sustained an injury at the hands of BJP-backed miscreants," the TMC said.Questioning the role of the police, the party asked how protesters were allowed to gather outside a police station and carry out the alleged attack."How were these hooligans allowed to gather outside the police station? How could brick-batting take place in the presence of the police?" the statement said.
The party further alleged that violence had continued despite more than three weeks having passed since the declaration of the assembly election results."It has been 26 days since the election results were declared, yet post-poll violence continues unabated," the TMC said.Describing the situation as a breakdown of law and order, the party added: "COMPLETE LAWLESSNESS! DEMOCRACY IS UNDER ATTACK!"A large police contingent and central forces were deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation. The BJP denied the allegations and claimed that local residents were expressing anger against TMC leaders following incidents of post-poll violence in the state.The incident comes a day after TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked by mob during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district.
