Kolkata, 14 March (H.S.): Allegations of attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters surfaced from different parts of West Bengal on Saturday ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, with the party claiming that several of its workers were injured in incidents of violence.

In one such incident, a bus carrying BJP supporters to Kolkata was allegedly attacked in the Belda area of West Midnapore district. According to party sources, the incident took place around 5:30 a.m. in the Patli area under Belda police station limits.

Reports suggest that the bus was on its way towards Kolkata when a group of unidentified persons stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver about the destination. After learning that the passengers were heading to attend the Brigade rally, the attackers allegedly surrounded the bus and vandalised it with sticks, damaging its window panes.

The driver and his assistant reportedly sustained injuries to their hands during the attack. The assailants fled the spot soon after the incident. The bus remained stranded for some time before being taken back.

The BJP alleged that individuals linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) were behind the attack. However, local TMC leadership denied the allegations and demanded a fair police investigation, claiming that the BJP was making politically motivated accusations.

Meanwhile, another confrontation was reported from the Girish Park area of north Kolkata, where BJP workers claimed they were attacked while proceeding towards the Prime Minister’s rally.

According to BJP leaders, their supporters were surrounded and pelted with stones and bricks, followed by physical assault with sticks, resulting in multiple injuries. The party claimed that several workers, including north Kolkata district leader Tamoghna Ghosh, were injured in the incident.

The Trinamool Congress, however, presented a different version of events, alleging that BJP workers had first created unrest in the area and pelted stones at the residence of state minister Shashi Panja, damaging window panes. Panja also claimed she was injured during the incident.

TMC leaders further alleged that some vehicles heading towards the rally were carrying bricks and glass bottles and accused the BJP of bringing outsiders to create disturbances. BJP leaders rejected these allegations as baseless.

Reports also indicated that several individuals, including the officer-in-charge of Bowbazar police station, Bappaditya Naskar, were injured during the clashes. The BJP questioned the role of the police, alleging inaction during the violence.

Police said they are monitoring the situation and examining the incidents. Additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.

The incidents have further intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with both parties trading accusations over the violence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh