Nadia, 11 June (H.S.) -

A memorial meeting for late Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Tapas Saha turned violent on Tuesday, as two rival factions of the party clashed in Nadia district’s Tehatta, leaving at least eight party workers seriously injured.

The incident occurred during a condolence meeting and organizational gathering held at Sahabuddin Mondal Smriti High School in Patharghata-1 panchayat, under the Tehatta Assembly constituency. Tensions were reportedly simmering from the start of the event, which was attended by local leaders, supporters, and members of the late MLA’s family.

According to eyewitnesses and party insiders, the situation spiraled out of control shortly before the end of the meeting. A controversial remark made by a local TMC leader allegedly triggered a heated exchange, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation involving brick pelting and attacks with bamboo sticks.

Multiple TMC workers sustained injuries in the ensuing chaos. Eight individuals who were critically injured were initially treated at Tehatta Sub-Divisional Hospital before being shifted to Shaktinagar District Hospital in Krishnanagar for further treatment.

Injured party worker Salat Sheikh alleged that the root of the conflict lies in internal dissatisfaction over party appointments. “People who supported the opposition during the panchayat elections are now being inducted into the party. In the same area, two individuals have been made regional presidents. This has led to internal unrest,” he claimed.

Commenting on the incident, Sukumar Mondal, president of TMC’s Tehatta-1 block, acknowledged the disturbance. “In the final moments of the meeting, several attendees pounced on one another. Whoever was involved has acted irresponsibly. We need to identify them,” he said.

The incident has once again highlighted the factional strife within the TMC’s local units in the region, raising concerns over internal discipline and party unity.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh