Kolkata, 07 November (H.S.) : Tensions flared once again outside the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata's Kalighat area on Saturday afternoon. The area has been on edge following violent clashes between TMC supporters and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers that erupted late Friday night. As the situation escalated on Saturday, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepped out of the MP's residence and launched a scathing attack on the police administration. She demanded the immediate resignation of Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda and warned of legal action if the police hindered their functioning.

On Saturday afternoon, a group of people staged a protest in the Patua Para area of Kalighat, alleging that the celebrations for Abhishek Banerjee's birthday were causing significant road encroachments. The protesters demanded the immediate removal of police barricades set up outside the MP's residence. TMC supporters, however, alleged that the protesters were actually BJP workers aiming to disrupt the event.

Amidst the growing unrest, Mamata Banerjee, who had arrived to assess the situation following the Friday night attack, addressed the gathering. Standing on a chair with a microphone, she directly criticized the police administration's handling of the situation.

Banerjee first addressed the concerns of the local idol makers and traders in Patua Para. She assured them that their businesses, which attract numerous buyers to Kalighat, would not be adversely affected. You can continue your business without any worries, she stated. She then outlined a crowd management plan, directing those coming to meet Abhishek Banerjee to use the left side of the road, leaving the right side open for vehicular movement.

Asserting her presence, the former Chief Minister firmly stated, I am right here. While welcoming anyone who wished to convey birthday greetings to Abhishek, she alleged that certain individuals were being deliberately sent there with ulterior motives and inducements—a remark widely interpreted as a veiled attack on the BJP.

Banerjee also issued a stern warning to the officials of the Kalighat Police Station. She cautioned the Officer-in-Charge (OC), stating, Take care of your home, your family, and your police station. The historic Kalighat Temple is here, visited by crores of people. Pay attention to that.

The Kalighat area has witnessed intermittent clashes since late Friday night. Heavy tension prevails due to heated arguments, scuffles, and stone-pelting between supporters of the Diamond Harbour MP and local BJP workers. Abhishek Banerjee has also alleged that his office was vandalized by miscreants during the unrest. The police are currently deployed in large numbers and are attempting to bring the situation under control.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh