Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 26: Tension gripped Bhabanipur on Saturday as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari held rallies barely 100 metres apart, leading to clashes between supporters of the two parties.
The situation escalated after Banerjee accused the BJP of disrupting her public meeting by using loudspeakers at a nearby rally where Adhikari was scheduled to speak. Unable to continue amid the disturbance, she cut short her speech, apologised to the gathering and left the venue.
Following her departure, Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers marched towards the BJP rally site in protest, triggering a confrontation. Supporters from both sides raised slogans, leading to a tense standoff before security personnel intervened to bring the situation under control.
Adhikari, who had not yet reached the venue at the time of the clash, later blamed Banerjee for the unrest and said the BJP would give a “befitting reply” to what he termed “goonda raj”.
BJP leader Amit Malviya also reacted to the incident, sharing a video and alleging that Banerjee lost her composure due to fear of electoral defeat.
Bhabanipur is considered a stronghold of Banerjee, who has won the constituency three times since 2011. The seat is among 142 constituencies going to polls on April 29.
The first phase of polling was held across 152 seats on April 23, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
The incident has added to rising political tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming phases of polling.