North 24 Paragnas, 27 February (H.S.): Factional infighting within the Bharatiya Janata Party has once again come into sharp focus ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. This time, the controversy has erupted from Barrackpore organisational district after a video purportedly showing the assault of senior party leader Sandeep Banerjee inside a BJP office went viral on social media. The authenticity of the video, however, could not be independently verified.

According to party sources, there had been long-standing disagreements within Barrackpore organizational district regarding the use of financial funds. Allegedly this dispute escalated into a heated argument and later escalated into a physical altercation. The viral video shows Sandeep Banerjee unconscious inside the party office, after which some workers are seen scuffling with him. Following the incident, a tense situation prevailed within the party office for some time. Later, internal discussions were held to control the situation. However, the video has sparked a stir in political circles. Allegedly, Arjun Singh's supporters were involved in the assault.

No local BJP leader has officially commented yet. Meanwhile, district BJP sources said that the matter will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.

Meanwhile, Barrackpore's former MP Arjun Singh said on Friday morning that he had no knowledge of the incident and would speak to party workers about it.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey