Kolkata, 22 July (H.S.) : A fresh political confrontation has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee sent a legal notice to Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra over allegedly defamatory remarks made against him on social media.

According to sources, the notice was issued after Mitra, during a live social media broadcast, allegedly referred to Banerjee as a criminal and a killer and levelled a series of serious allegations against him.

Reacting to the development, Mitra said he had not yet received the legal notice. I have not received anything yet. Once I get it and go through its contents, I will respond accordingly, he said.

The latest episode comes days after Mitra publicly distanced himself from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress. Last week, the Kamarhati MLA visited the office of Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee in the West Bengal Assembly, where he announced his resignation from all organisational posts in the Kalighat Trinamool unit. He also said he had sent a WhatsApp message to Mamata Banerjee apologising before changing camps.

In a live social media address on Sunday night, Mitra expressed disappointment over what he described as not receiving his due within the party. He subsequently intensified his criticism of Abhishek Banerjee, claiming that he would not be intimidated by threats or pressure.

During the broadcast, Mitra made a series of allegations against the Diamond Harbour MP, including calling him a criminal and a killer. He also claimed that an attempt had recently been made on his life, alleging that shots had been fired at him, though he said he was not afraid.

The legal notice marks a significant escalation in the political and legal battle between the two leaders amid the ongoing turmoil within the Trinamool Congress following the party's split. Abhishek Banerjee has not made any public statement beyond initiating legal action.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh