Kolkata, 14 March (H.S.): A political confrontation has intensified in West Bengal following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, with the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of indulging in violence and vandalism.

Addressing an emergency press conference at Trinamool Bhavan, state Education Minister Bratya Basu, minister Shashi Panja and party MP Saayoni Ghosh questioned the role of BJP workers in an alleged attack near Girish Park and demanded accountability.

Bratya Basu criticised the tone of the Prime Minister’s speech, alleging that its impact was reflected in the incident reported from the Girish Park area. He claimed that the alleged attack on minister Shashi Panja’s residence with stones, bottles and glass shards was unprecedented.

He also questioned whether the incident was influenced by the Prime Minister’s remarks. Basu said that at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is advocating for peace and communal harmony in Bengal, such incidents ahead of elections are a matter of concern.

According to Trinamool Congress leaders, stones were hurled at the residence of Shashi Panja in north Kolkata before the Prime Minister’s rally. Party workers alleged that BJP supporters were involved in the incident while heading towards the Brigade Parade Ground.

The BJP, however, denied the allegations and issued a counter-claim, stating that their workers were attacked by Trinamool supporters while passing through the Girish Park area.

Minister Shashi Panja, who was present at the spot, alleged that BJP workers created a ruckus in front of her residence while proceeding towards the rally. She claimed that a group of individuals wearing BJP caps became aggressive while raising slogans.

Referring to her injury, Panja said that a brick hit her in the abdomen at the site of a previous surgery, leaving her injured. She termed the incident unacceptable in a democratic political environment.

Panja also referred to the Prime Minister’s reported remark about “settling scores” and questioned whether an attack on a state minister reflected that message. She further asked whether the Prime Minister represents only the BJP or the entire country.

Trinamool Congress claimed that three of its workers identified as Shubham, Souvik and Krishna, sustained serious injuries in the incident, reportedly suffering injuries to their heads and chests.

The incident has triggered tension in the area, with political tensions escalating amid continued accusations and counter-accusations between the two parties.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh