New Delhi: Ever since the Trinamool Congress (TMC) lost the West Bengal Assembly elections and was ousted from power, its leaders have frequently been the targets of attacks. A major commotion took place outside the residence of TMC MP and Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, around midnight on Friday. A heated altercation broke out between the protesters and TMC supporters. The TMC accused BJP workers of attacking the residence, alleging that they had pelted stones at Abhishek Banerjee’s home.
Following a complaint, the police arrived at the scene and attempted to prevent a confrontation between the two sides. A sharp exchange of words also occurred between Abhishek Banerjee and the police. Accusing BJP workers of the attack, Abhishek Banerjee staged a sit-in protest (dharna) outside his residence for some time.
BJP workers engaged in firing and stone-pelting: Abhishek Banerjee
MP Abhishek Banerjee alleged a conspiracy involving the Kolkata Police and BJP workers. In a post on the social media platform X, he claimed that his home was attacked around 2:00 AM. He alleged that individuals associated with the BJP targeted his residence, and that this occurred in the presence of the Kolkata Police.
He further alleged that, in addition to stone-pelting, shots were fired. In his post, the MP also took a dig at the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, remarking that both courts have remained “silent spectators” regarding this matter. He added that he would soon share videos related to the incident.
Allegations of reconnaissance of his home and office
A day prior to the attack on his residence, Abhishek Banerjee had raised concerns regarding the suspicious movement of individuals in the vicinity. In a post on X dated November 6, he claimed that for the previous two days, unidentified individuals on motorcycles had been conducting reconnaissance of his home and office. Abhishek Banerjee stated that when these individuals were questioned, they claimed to be police personnel. During this time, Abhishek Banerjee also shared the registration number of the motorcycle.
He questioned why the state police were conducting surveillance on the residence and office of an elected Member of Parliament. He asked who had authorised this activity and what the underlying motive was.
Demand for an investigation addressed to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Ministry of Home Affairs
The TMC MP has demanded an investigation into the matter, calling upon Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Kolkata Police, and the West Bengal Police to look into the incident. He stated that the suspicious individuals must be identified promptly, and it should be determined who sent them and under whose instructions they were operating. Meanwhile, these developments—unfolding over two consecutive days—have once again brought the political tension between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal into the spotlight.
