BJP supporters attacked TMC rally, assaulted women, says Mamata Banerjee

BJP Supporters Attacked TMC Rally, Assaulted Women, Says Mamata Banerjee

Allegations of Violence During Approved Event

BJP supporters attacked TMC rally assaulted – Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee claimed on Wednesday that a rally held by her party’s youth group in south Kolkata, which had received permission from the Calcutta High Court, was violently targeted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members. The incident reportedly involved the harassment of women and injuries to at least 25 individuals, with some suffering head wounds.

“BJP’s ‘lumpens’ assaulted our youth and student leaders in front of the police, even though the event was sanctioned by the court. Women were attacked in their private areas using rods, sticks, bricks, and other items I can’t name due to embarrassment. I’m deeply upset that the police stood by and allowed this to happen,” Banerjee stated during a Facebook live session.

Legal Backing and Route Adjustments

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday had granted the TMC permission to hold the rally in response to the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, disregarding the police’s initial refusal. However, the court instructed the rally to begin at Ballygunge Phari, proceed along Hazra Road, and end at the Hazra four-point intersection, altering the original plan to conclude at Lansdowne Market.

Additionally, the court modified the event’s timing from 3 pm to 6 pm to 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, considering the traffic congestion during weekday rush hours.

Non-Participation and Police Response

Banerjee explained that she opted not to attend the rally as per the court’s directive. “If I had been present, the gathering would have been much larger,” she remarked.

At 3 pm, the rally commenced with police and Central Armed Paramilitary Force (CAPF) personnel providing security. When some individuals attempted to block the procession, tensions escalated between them and the TMC participants. CAPF officers used batons to clear the path.

BJP’s Defense of the Situation

Debjit Sarkar, the BJP’s spokesperson in Bengal, told HT that Banerjee could file complaints with the high court if she had evidence of the alleged attacks. “The BJP government is focused on enforcing the rule of law,” he said. “If her claims are accurate, the administration will take decisive action. But why is she holding the BJP accountable? After the TMC’s electoral loss, its frustrated members have turned against leaders who once dominated the scene. This incident likely stems from that internal dissent,” Sarkar added.