Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of violence against her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. This allegation arises following an incident that occurred during Abhishek’s visit to Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, where he was assaulted by a mob.
Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP of Violence Against Abhishek Banerjee
On May 30, 2026, reports emerged of Abhishek Banerjee being attacked while he was meeting party workers and their families. This visit followed the TMC’s disappointing performance in the recent elections, in which the BJP took control of the state government after a 15-year rule by the TMC.
Details of the Incident
As Abhishek Banerjee navigated through a crowd, he was targeted, receiving blows, stones, and eggs from the assailants. Video footage circulating online captures the struggle between him and his security personnel against the mob. In response, Mamata Banerjee expressed her outrage, stating, “Rulers became killers—shame on you, BJP.”
Banerjee asserted that the attack was “BJP-sponsored” and criticized the absence of police presence in the area. She demanded immediate protection for the victims of post-election violence. “Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned,” she claimed, indicating a serious escalation in tensions.
BJP’s Response to Allegations
The BJP promptly dismissed Mamata Banerjee’s accusations. Samik Bhattacharya, a leader within the BJP, emphasized that there was no party involvement in the incident, attributing the unrest to TMC’s governance over the last 15 years. He condemned the attack but also noted that the TMC should be held accountable for its political actions.
Political Ramifications
The Congress party also reacted strongly, condemning the attack on Abhishek Banerjee and alleging a lack of police protection for opposition leaders. They labeled the incident as a product of the state government’s vendetta against opposing voices.
Political violence has long been a feature of West Bengal’s landscape, with power shifts often accompanied by unrest. While pre-election periods showed relative peace, post-poll violence has surged. The West Bengal Police reported numerous arrests related to these disturbances, reflecting ongoing tensions in the state.
The Calcutta High Court has intervened, directing the West Bengal government to ensure law and order is strictly maintained moving forward. The situation remains tense as various political leaders call for increased security measures in light of recent events.
