Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday faced fierce protests and alleged physical assault while visiting the family of a party worker who was reportedly killed in post-election violence in South 24 Parganas.
The Diamond Harbour MP had travelled to Sonarpur to meet the family of Sanju Karmakar, a TMC worker who was allegedly killed after the recent Assembly election results. However, before reaching the victim’s residence, Banerjee encountered demonstrations by BJP supporters along the route.
According to TMC leaders, protesters carrying black flags gathered at several locations and raised “Go Back” slogans as Banerjee’s convoy approached Sonarpur. Anticipating roadblocks, the TMC leader reportedly got off his vehicle and continued his journey on a motorcycle belonging to a party worker.
A convoy of three motorcycles was moving towards Karmakar’s residence, with Banerjee seated on the middle bike. As the group entered the area, protesters allegedly chased the motorcycles and surrounded them. TMC leaders claimed that Banerjee was physically assaulted, with blows directed at his head, neck and body. The motorcycle carrying him was also reportedly damaged.
Despite the unrest, Banerjee continued towards the victim’s residence wearing a cricket helmet for protection. Eyewitnesses and party leaders alleged that eggs and shoes were thrown at him during the march. His spectacles were damaged and buttons on his white shirt were torn off in the commotion. Protesters were also heard shouting “chor-chor” (thief-thief) slogans.
Earlier in the day, groups of protesters had reportedly assembled at various points carrying black flags and eggs, signalling their intent to oppose Banerjee’s visit. Demonstrations were reported from multiple locations between Patuli and Sonarpur’s Kamrabad area.
After eventually reaching the residence of the deceased TMC worker, Banerjee addressed party supporters and launched a sharp attack on BJP leaders and the state administration.
“My head was saved because I was wearing a helmet. They have broken my spectacles,” Banerjee said. He expressed concern about the safety of Karmakar’s elderly parents, claiming that they could become targets after his departure.
“They want to attack me; let them do it. I will not leave this place. I will not abandon Sanju Karmakar’s elderly parents,” he said, while alleging that attempts were being made to intimidate the victim’s family.
Banerjee also accused the administration of failing to provide adequate security despite prior intimation of his visit. According to him, district authorities had been informed in advance about the programme, yet there was little visible police presence when the clashes occurred.
The TMC leader further claimed that he had attempted to draw the attention of the Calcutta High Court and the Governor to the situation. He alleged that individuals were trying to force their way into the victim’s residence while police personnel remained absent.
Taking aim at Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and the BJP, Banerjee accused his political opponents of hypocrisy and misuse of power. He argued that the protests were politically motivated and intended to prevent him from meeting families affected by post-election violence.
Saturday marked Banerjee’s first major political outreach programme since the Assembly election results were declared nearly three weeks ago. Apart from Sonarpur, he also visited the family of another deceased TMC worker, Bishwanath Pattnaik, in Beleghata.
The day was also marked by a separate political development. Earlier, a team of West Bengal CID officers visited Banerjee’s official residence in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged forged-signature controversy involving TMC legislators. Banerjee later accepted the CID notice at his Kalighat residence but insisted that the legal development would not affect his political programme.
The incidents in Sonarpur have further intensified the political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with both parties expected to trade charges over the violence and security lapses in the coming days.
