Kolkata, March 14: Tensions escalated in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally on Saturday. A violent clash erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the Girish Park area of North Kolkata. Allegations surfaced that stones were thrown at the residence of TMC minister Shashi Panja during the incident.
TMC workers claimed that BJP supporters heading to the Brigade Parade Ground rally attacked Minister Panja’s home with stones. The minister herself alleged that she was also targeted during the chaos.
In response, the BJP dismissed these accusations, asserting that their workers were attacked by TMC members while passing through Girish Park. BJP leaders accused the police of remaining inactive throughout the incident.
Several individuals sustained injuries, including Bappaditya Naskar, the officer in charge of the Bowbazar police station. Additionally, one injured BJP worker was hospitalized.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a significant rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata later today. BJP workers were arriving from various areas to participate in the event.
Some TMC members alleged that a group of BJP supporters threw stones at Minister Panja’s house while en route to the rally.
Minister Shashi Panja held the BJP accountable for the violence, stating, “BJP goons are responsible for this. Today, bricks, glass bottles, and even bombs are being brought in buses heading to the Brigade. Outsiders have been brought in to attack our area. My house was also attacked, and I have pictures of those responsible.”
She noted that posters reading “Boycott BJP” were placed around her home. When BJP workers passed by, they allegedly got off their buses to tear down the posters before returning to their seats.
Reports indicate that when TMC workers attempted to reattach the posters, BJP members disembarked again, leading to further violence. During this altercation, stones were thrown at Shashi Panja’s house, shattering windows.
Panja stated, “These people could commit murder. They are goons. Democracy has been murdered. Look at their audacity.”
However, the BJP refuted these claims, insisting that TMC workers were the ones who threw stones at their buses. Several BJP members were injured in the incident, including Tamoghna Ghosh, the organizational district president of North Kolkata, who was also hospitalized.
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