Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Saturday, where he had gone to meet families affected by recent post-poll violence.
According to reports, Banerjee's convoy came under attack as protesters allegedly hurled stones, bricks, eggs and other objects while raising slogans against him. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes, with police personnel rushing to escort the TMC leader to safety amid the unrest.
Claiming that the attackers "wanted to kill" him, Banerjee alleged that a brick struck him near the eye during the confrontation. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack and said the entire incident had been captured on camera. He also announced plans to pursue legal action over the matter.
"My head could have been smashed today. Bricks and stones were thrown at me. Look at the condition of my glasses. If BJP is not involved, then why is the party not taking action?" Banerjee said before leaving the area. He added that he was prepared to approach both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court if necessary.
The incident occurred during Banerjee's visit to the family of a slain TMC worker and marked one of his first major public appearances after the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections. Political tensions have remained high in the state amid allegations of post-poll violence and clashes between rival party supporters.
The attack drew condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the violence, stating that political differences can never justify physical attacks. Several opposition leaders also expressed concern over the incident.
While condemning the assault, BJP leaders pointed to Banerjee's controversial campaign speeches before the elections. State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya described the incident as unfortunate and appealed for restraint.
"People should not take the law into their own hands," Bhattacharya said. He also questioned the absence of adequate security at the site, adding that it was the responsibility of the state government to explain the security lapse.
Bhattacharya further recalled an alleged attack on Suvendu Adhikari during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition and accused TMC workers of resorting to violence during the party's previous term in power.
State CPI(M) secretary Md. Salim also condemned the attack but criticized Banerjee's pre-election rhetoric.
"Neither his statements before the elections were desirable, nor is today's attack acceptable," Salim said, while questioning whether the incident could become part of a broader political narrative involving both the BJP and TMC.
Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticized the withdrawal of Banerjee's security cover and questioned the role of law enforcement during the incident.
"I strongly condemn the attack on Abhishek Banerjee. What were the police doing when the attack took place and continued for some time?" Ghosh asked.
At the time of the incident, police personnel, assisted by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), eventually escorted Banerjee out of Sonarpur. Even as he was leaving, protesters reportedly continued shouting slogans against him and called him a "thief."
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the allegations. Meanwhile, the political blame game between the TMC and BJP continues as both sides trade accusations over the Sonarpur violence.
