A political row erupted in West Bengal on Sunday after former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee alleged that stones, bricks and shoes were hurled at her convoy while she was travelling to Bhalishahar to meet the family of a deceased TMC worker.
Mamata convoy attack triggers Bengal political row
The incident triggered sharp reactions from the BJP, TMC and AAP, with rival parties trading allegations over political violence, law and order and the role of the police. Banerjee alleged that her vehicle was attacked in the presence of police and said the incident could have caused serious injuries.
I have never witnessed such an attack in my life. Stones and bricks were thrown at my car. If the window had not been closed, my head could have been fractured,
she said.
Mamata alleges stones and shoes targeted convoy
She alleged that the police remained silent spectators instead of intervening. Banerjee also claimed that the attack appeared to have been planned and questioned the role of the local police.
My security personnel were there. Otherwise, the situation could have become much more serious,
she said, adding that she had lost faith in the local police.
Former CM blamed the state’s Home Minister
The former chief minister blamed the state’s Home Minister and senior police leadership for the incident and demanded accountability over the custodial death that had prompted her visit.
She also alleged that members of the affected family were being threatened and effectively confined inside their home. Banerjee demanded strict action against those responsible and sought action against the concerned police officers, besides calling for the resignation of the DIG and Commissioner of Police.
She further questioned the FIR and the circumstances surrounding the custodial death, claiming that the deceased had allegedly been taken from his home late at night and subsequently assaulted.
BJP denies involvement, condemns attack
The BJP denied involvement in the incident but condemned the attack and said the police should investigate and take action.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said political slogans and shouting were acceptable forms of protest, but throwing stones or shoes at a former chief minister was unacceptable.
“Shouting slogans is fine, but throwing stones and hurling shoes at a former chief minister, who is a woman, is not acceptable,”
he said. Bhattacharya maintained that the BJP was not involved and said the police would take appropriate action.
BJP says violence violates party policy
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul also condemned the incident while attacking the TMC’s record during its 15-year rule in Bengal. She said public frustration with the former ruling party was understandable, but stressed that throwing stones and shoes could not be justified.
“This is not the policy of the BJP government,” Paul said, adding that the Chief Minister and state BJP president were looking into the matter and that action would be taken.
File photo.
Kejriwal accuses BJP government of targeting
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Banerjee.
“This is absolutely shocking and horrifying,” Kejriwal said in a post on X, questioning how people could attack the vehicle of a former Chief Minister. He alleged that law and order had been deliberately compromised by the BJP government to threaten and attack opposition leaders in West Bengal.
“We stand strongly with you, Mamata Di,” Kejriwal said.
Mahua, Abhishek attack BJP
TMC MP Mahua Moitra alleged that Banerjee was attacked by a BJP mob while travelling with two MPs to meet the family of a person who died in custody. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP government of a complete collapse of law and order.
Abhishek calls incident failure of governance
Our workers are being murdered in broad daylight, yet there is no justice. A man dies in police custody, yet there is no justice. What kind of government allows this to happen? This is not merely a failure of the state police. This is a failure of governance,”
he said.
The incident has intensified the BJP-TMC confrontation in Bengal, with the BJP calling for police action against those responsible, while the TMC has accused the state government and police of failing to protect Banerjee and ensure law and order.
